With Tutu Atwell re-signed and Adams now in the fold, Nacua sees big things ahead.
Two seasons ago, Puka Nacua entered the league as a fifth-round pick and taking him under his wing was former Los Angeles Rams great Cooper Kupp.
Fast forward two seasons and multiple records later, with Kupp now in Seattle, Nacua – despite already being one of the league’s brightest stars – is thrilled to be embracing the role of student again while playing alongside his new mentor, Davante Adams.
“It’s definitely gonna be different,” Nacua said during an appearance on The Insiders this week. “Davante, as soon as he stepped into the facility, has been fantastic. The ability to learn the game from another all-time great, I feel like I’m stealing. I’m like a kid in the candy store.”
Every young receiver dreams of not only playing opposite elite counterparts but also having one of the league’s top arms. Having brilliant football minds to help pave the way for what is set up to become one of the most exciting passing attacks that fans will be treated to this season helps, too.
“I’ve had Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp, and now Davante Adams. My life is pretty good, I can’t complain too much,” he added.
The Rams’ receiver room is going through a quiet transformation. Tutu Atwell was re-signed for his speed earlier this offseason, and the front office added Adams, a future Hall of Famer and one of the league’s premier route technicians, to guide a rising offense. It’s a blend of explosiveness, precision, and mentorship that’s already having a big impact on Nacua.
Nacua said “route running” when asked what’s jumped out about Adams.
“His ability to change pace while he’s moving on the football field, the ability to win against negative leverage, his suddenness at the line of scrimmage, it’s fantastic to see. And to be able to see it in person and be lining up right next to him, it makes sure you have all the gas turned on when you’re going out there with No. 17.”
That “gas” and the hunger to learn are what’s kept Nacua rising. Even with 2,476 yards and nine touchdowns under his belt in 28 games, he’s still wide-eyed when he walks onto the practice field. Not just because of the talent around him, but because of who’s also throwing the ball.
“I can’t wait to see the guys,” Nacua said. “I just want to see Matthew Stafford spin it. That’s my favorite part of the day. As soon as that first practice comes out and you see that ball spinning right, I’m like, ah, things will be well in the world.”
With training camp just around the corner, expectations are building again in Los Angeles, and for good reason. The Rams have star power, leadership, and momentum that had them just two wins away from a Super Bowl appearance last season. And with Nacua still playing sponge, soaking up every ounce of wisdom from the veterans around him, this offense might be just getting started.