BYU WR Puka Nacua Drafted by LA Rams in Fifth Round

BYU’s third player of the 2023 NFL Draft is off the board as WR Puka Nacua was drafted by the LA Rams with the 177 overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

Puka had some nagging injuries during his college career, but he was BYU’s best receiver after showing flashes in his two years at Washington. He led BYU in receiving yards in both 2021 and 2022, with 1,430 yards to go along with 91 receptions and 11 receiving touchdowns. Nacua also became part of the running game last season in Provo with fly sweeps and even carries out of the backfield. He had 209 rushing yards on 25 attempts and 5 rushing TDs in 2022.

Puka’s most memorable moment came in the upset win at Boise State this season when a remarkable game-winning TD catch capped off a day that included 14 receptions, 157 receiving yards, and 2 TDs.

Puka never had a season-ending injury, but various ankle or hamstring injuries would cause him to miss periodic games. When healthy, Puka is a dynamic playmaker that will absolutely have a chance to make an impact in the NFL.

Good luck to Puka in LA!