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Football

The receiving yards Puka Nacua needs to break the rookie record

Philip Marsh
The receiving yards Puka Nacua needs to break the rookie recordGetty Images
The Los Angeles Rams found a gem in the 2023 draft.

There are few rookie wide receivers who have impressed as much in their first NFL season as the Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua.

The 22-year-old was the 20th wide receiver selected in this year's draft, falling to day three and the 177th pick where he was selected by the Rams.

Nacua has already broken plenty of rookie records and through his first 15 games he has totalled 1,327 yards off 97 receptions - scoring five touchdowns.

The Rams' Week 16 win over the New Orleans Saints was the sixth time Nacua has had over 100 receiving yards in a game, setting a new career high figure of 164 yards.

Only Justin Jefferson and Odell Beckham Jr. have had more 100-yard games in their rookie career with seven, a record Nacua could break with two more big games.

But another record is in sight for Nacua, and it is a big one.

Nacua's 1,327 yards so far this season is already good for fifth highest by a rookie of all time, and is just 147 away from breaking the record set by Bill Groman of the Houston Oilers back in 1960.

If Nacua cannot reach Groman's figure, two of the others players whose totals he could pass include Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase.

Nacua is 74 yards away from beating Jefferson's total of 1,400 while the Rams rookie would need an additional 55 to then pass Chase's total from 2021.

The Rams finish the 2023 regular season with two road trips, against the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers.

Los Angeles are still well within playoff contention which should bode well for Nacua, as the Rams are unlikely to rest any key players until their postseason status is confirmed.