Puka Nacua, a rookie fifth-round choice of the Los Angeles Rams, was selected as one of the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year finalists. The other contenders are tight end Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions, running back Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, quarterback C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans, and running back Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons.
Nacua had what was perhaps the greatest wide receiver rookie campaign in NFL history. With 105 receptions and 1,486 yards, he shattered the rookie records and was fourth in the league behind Tyreek Hill, CeeDee Lamb, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Nacua was included in the AP All-Pro Second Team as a result of his efforts.
For the Rams offense, which started the season without star Cooper Kupp, Nacua’s rise was enormous. In three of the season’s first four games, Nacua finished with 119 yards or more, including a 163-yard day and the game-winning 22-yard touchdown catch in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts, which marked his first-ever touchdown reception.
Nacua kept improving significantly as the Rams battled for a postseason spot in the last half of the season. In a victory over the New Orleans Saints, he had nine receptions for 164 yards and a score. Against the New York Giants, he had five receptions for 118 yards. But he saved his best performance for the biggest stage.
Nacua was unstoppable in the Rams’ away playoff game against the Detroit Lions. In the Rams’ 24-23 loss in Detroit, he finished with nine receptions for a season-high 181 yards and a touchdown. Despite the team’s narrow defeat, Nacua made it clear to everyone that he is a player to keep an eye on going forward.
However, Nacua will have fierce competition from Stroud to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year title. The rookie quarterback for the Texans is the clear favorite to win the award after leading Houston to victory in both the AFC South division title and the playoffs while throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with just five interceptions.
For the Falcons, Robinson was explosive, amassing 1,463 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in total while appearing to be every bit the dynamic player that many had anticipated him to be.
LaPorta made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s top tight ends right away. His 10 touchdowns were the most for a tight end at his position, his 889 yards were fifth, and his 86 receptions were fourth among all tight ends. Gibbs, his Lions colleague, amassed 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
Although there were many talented rookies in the class, Nacua proved to be a Rams mainstay and deserves to win the honor.