Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was a complete unknown heading into 2023. Now, he is the clear successor to Cooper Kupp heading into 2025. Nacua doubters point to his 990 yards in 2024, often glossing over one huge caveat.
Nacua hit 990 yards in 11 games in 2024, putting him on a similar wavelength as Justin Jefferson’s oft-celebrated 2023 half-season output (1,074 yards in 10 games).
Now, one analyst has taken things several steps further for the Rams receiver, putting Nacua on a potential trajectory to finish as the best receiver ever.
Analyst Delivers The Ultimate Prediction For Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Speaking on a Jun. 30 edition of “Heed the Call,” Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr spoke bluntly about the Los Angeles Rams receiver. He was initially asked to make his pick for a player drafted since 2021 who could be the undisputed GOAT. After initially going with a deep-cut center on the Baltimore Ravens, the analyst took a hard look at Nacua.
“Do you want the more obvious one? Puka Nacua, because the volume is there, and if you’re with McVay for… ten-plus years, McVay is never going to have a rookie quarterback,” he said. “He’s just going to replace Matthew Stafford with another banger of a veteran, and Puka is going to get 149-150 balls.”
Of course, that won’t mean he’ll end up with up to 150 catches per season, but rather targets. That said, that kind of volume would easily put him well over 100 catches yearly. He went on, claiming that McVay’s game plans could get Nacua to catch San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice.
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“Jerry Rice is a pretty high bar to clear, but… the touchdowns are just the outlier for Jerry Rice. He scored a lot of touchdowns. … I think Nacua is one of those guys that could accumulate such a high volume with McVay over time that maybe he ends up getting there too.”
Of course, getting in range of arguably the most accomplished receiver of all time is no small feat. Let’s break it down.
Exploring the Potential Path for Puka Nacua To Catch Jerry Rice
After two seasons, Nacua has earned 2,476 yards and nine touchdowns. Rice retired with 197 touchdowns and 22,895 yards after 20 seasons. As such, Nacua will need another 189 touchdowns and 20,419 yards.
If Nacua plays for another 18 years (going long past Orr’s projection) to reach 20 years of service in the NFL, he will need to average roughly 1,135 yards over the next 18 seasons. He has already crossed that threshold once in his career. Now, he will need to carry on that pace every year.
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When it comes to touchdowns, Nacua will need to average roughly 11 per season. He has yet to cross that mark once in his career, which could be the biggest hurdle. However, with Kupp no longer on the team, the passing offense could run through Nacua. If it does, McVay stays around and remains relevant offensively, and the quality of quarterback play remains the same, it isn’t impossible.
Of course, one can only wait and see what the leaderboard looks like 18 years from now in 2043.