Rams select Puka Nacua (WR) with the 177th pick.

[oldnotdead]

It remains to be seen if Puka can play the XWR position something he did not show he could do which was translateable to the NFL. If not then Jefferson will remain at X and Puka will by November if not sooner become their starting YWR.

He's 2" taller than Woods and not quite as fast though he's got good speed for a man his size. He's more like Allen Robinson physically but faster. Like Robinson he looks good in contested catches.

With Skowronek and Atwell behind, Kupp, Jefferson and Nacua, the Rams are truly 5 deep at WR. That said I think they anticipate adding Xavier Smith to the room as a return specialist who has breakaway speed. If Smith emerges as a 6th WR option this WR corps will truly be dangerous. Smith is another small fast WR who gives them another jet sweep option. If Smith can become a good return specialist and decent WR it could eventually close the book on Atwell as a Ram. Next year is a contract year for Atwell, he needs to prove his value as more than a gadget player. Smith unlike Atwell showed he's a capable returner in college.

 

[Merlin]

As things stand right now here's what I'm thinking...

X: Jefferson > McCutcheon
Z: Atwell > Skowronek
Slot: Kupp > Nacua

Of the prime backup roles McCutcheon's job is the best one to gun for. He's going to need to show improvement in camp to keep that or we may see someone like Hudson make a move for it.

Skow is a swiss army knife and can move around. He is the backup to start there if Tutu can't take a step forward but I think they give Tutu every opportunity to do so.

If Atwell shows poorly early in camp then I think that opens up options for Nacua to slide into that role. They'll let him compete with Skow at that point. This is also a spot where some of these UDFAs might try to make a name for themselves.

If the Rams were to claim Hopkins then he would slide in at Z and shit would look a ton better.

 

[Loyal]

As things stand right now here's what I'm thinking...

X: Jefferson > McCutcheon
Z: Atwell > Skowronek
Slot: Kupp > Nacua

Of the prime backup roles McCutcheon's job is the best one to gun for. He's going to need to show improvement in camp to keep that or we may see someone like Hudson make a move for it.

Skow is a swiss army knife and can move around. He is the backup to start there if Tutu can't take a step forward but I think they give Tutu every opportunity to do so.

If Atwell shows poorly early in camp then I think that opens up options for Nacua to slide into that role. They'll let him compete with Skow at that point. This is also a spot where some of these UDFAs might try to make a name for themselves.

If the Rams were to claim Hopkins then he would slide in at Z and shit would look a ton better.

I know I've been critical of Tutu for various reasons, but I am really hoping he can be great this year.

 

[Kupped]

I like the idea of the WR run options out of 11 personnel with Skow, Nacua and Kupp in the game. That'll be fun.

 

[Soul Surfer]

Golden Taint my ass.

No thank you.

 

[AZRams]

The Kupp comps definitely have grounds. These breakdowns look good. When Andre Hopkins came out people said he was too slow to be anything other than a possession WR. Puka’s game does not translate to Hopkins but he has plenty of intangibles to work with. Needs to get on Kupp’s training regime to gain more quickness and work on the top of his routes but the rest is all there already. Could be a steal. I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a great pro


View: https://youtu.be/F7zgWhhJADQ

Poor-man's Cooper Kupp.

 

[Memento]

Golden Taint my ass. His game is actually more inline with Cooper Kupp. Similar size & speed. Good agility for his size, makes him sneaky in the pattern. And underrated strength.

This guy probably gets McCutcheon cut. Unless McClutch wins a job in that X role. They're different types but bottom line is I think this player makes the roster because they want options if Cooper misses time.

If Nacua is anything like Golden Taint, we’ve found a gem. Much like if we’ve found someone like Deebo, Aiyuk, Kittle, or any top player on our rivals we despise.

 

[So Ram]

If Nacua is anything like Golden Taint, we’ve found a gem. Much like ic we’ve found someone like Deebo, Aiyuk, Kittle, or any top player on our rivals we despise.

What I’ll say is he is probably the most interesting Ram Rookie!!

He fits a NEED!! IMO he could be very special. He also is THE MOST HAIRIEST RAM!
The werewolf Ram in LA!

 

[Merlin]

I know I've been critical of Tutu for various reasons, but I am really hoping he can be great this year.

Hater.

 

[BuffaloRam]

My Puka Update...

I have been wanting to get a replacement of my long lost one for a long time... but when we drafted Puka, I took it as a message from above. His name means something completely different in Samoan than Hawaiian, but I'm still hoping that this brings some good fortune to Puka and our Beloved Rams. I never should have given my old one to that chick years ago.

I had no idea that finding a REAL Puka Shell necklace would be difficult now. Back in The 808 in the 70's it was no problem getting one... well apparently real puka shells were over harvested and created a problem that resulted in the puka shells normally found today are man made fakes. Fuck that... I ain't wearing a cubic zirconia puka.

I contacted my old neighbor and they were able to get me a vintage real one. Should have it in about a week.

Cubic Zirconia Puka - that’s the GOAT comment of the year!

 

[AvengerRam]

So we have WRs named after a ballet skirt AND a giant white rabbit from an old movie (okay, spelled differently, but...)?

 

[Memento]

So we have WRs named after a ballet skirt AND a giant white rabbit from an old movie (okay, spelled differently, but...)?

So long as they aren’t actually giant white rabbits wearing ballet skirts.

 

[oldnotdead]

Kupp primarily plays ZWR but will move into the Y position. Nacua is another Kupp like Y or Z WR so basically they would be interchangeable to vary the matchup on Kupp. What I don't like about small receivers is how they can be physically redirected if they don't get a clean break. Nacua is a very physical WR who plays like a fast TE, not shying away from physical coverage. That's why I see him jumping both Atwell and Skowronek on the depth chart. With the addition of Puka, there isn't a clear role for McCutcheon. Unless Atwell has learned to receive kicks, they will need a return specialist. That's why I see Smith taking McCutcheon's roster slot and eventually replacing Atwell.

IMO this is a make or break year for Atwell. He definitely is improving as a receiver. The question is, whether or not it's enough at this point. Smith is the same size WR with equal speed, but the difference is if he is a return specialist he has a clearly defined role lacking in Atwell. They allowed Powell to walk for a reason, which IMO is because they were targeting Smith.

 

[HX76]

My Puka Update...

I have been wanting to get a replacement of my long lost one for a long time... but when we drafted Puka, I took it as a message from above. His name means something completely different in Samoan than Hawaiian, but I'm still hoping that this brings some good fortune to Puka and our Beloved Rams. I never should have given my old one to that chick years ago.

I had no idea that finding a REAL Puka Shell necklace would be difficult now. Back in The 808 in the 70's it was no problem getting one... well apparently real puka shells were over harvested and created a problem that resulted in the puka shells normally found today are man made fakes. Fuck that... I ain't wearing a cubic zirconia puka.

I contacted my old neighbor and they were able to get me a vintage real one. Should have it in about a week.

I have absolutely no idea what this means.

 

[Loyal]

Hater.

So says the Tutu APOLOGIST!

 

[Selassie I]

I have absolutely no idea what this means.

LOL

Bout time I stumped you for a change!

 

[dang]

As things stand right now here's what I'm thinking...

X: Jefferson > McCutcheon
Z: Atwell > Skowronek
Slot: Kupp > Nacua

Of the prime backup roles McCutcheon's job is the best one to gun for. He's going to need to show improvement in camp to keep that or we may see someone like Hudson make a move for it.

Skow is a swiss army knife and can move around. He is the backup to start there if Tutu can't take a step forward but I think they give Tutu every opportunity to do so.

If Atwell shows poorly early in camp then I think that opens up options for Nacua to slide into that role. They'll let him compete with Skow at that point. This is also a spot where some of these UDFAs might try to make a name for themselves.

If the Rams were to claim Hopkins then he would slide in at Z and shit would look a ton better.

They aren’t spending that $$ this year.

 

[HitStick]

Nacua is a Kupp type wideout is all I was saying. They are very similar in who they are. Both have great hands. Both are big wideouts and nearly TE size. Both are physical one on one and good at getting angles on guys. Both have tape in college showing them getting open quickly which allows for high catch volume and production. He is of course unlikely to be as good as Kupp. Also he has a history of getting hurt. But in terms of guessing how the team sees him and why they drafted him it is pretty clear, to me at least, that they brought him in to have a backup element for possession for if Kupp misses time.

Skow is a different type of wideout. To my eye at least. He's smart and dependable and too much has been made of his drops IMO, but he's not a quick separator. He's not a guy you can go to for that role that Kupp plays if he misses time. But that's not a huge slam on him, as few are. Nacua might not either but he's an attempt to gain that I think.

Lastly I think Kupp is our greatest receiver ever. And I wouldn't say he's not talented. I think he's talented as hell, he is just a hybrid who is half TE and half WR. But there isn't a guy I would take over him in our history. Kupp is the MFing dude.

More than Bruce or Holt? I love me some Kupp, and he’s top 3 for sure, but I have a hard time putting him above those. If Kupp can string together multiple dominant years, sure, but he’s yet to do that, unfortunately. I also am unsure about the TE comparison. He’s only 6’2 and 210 lbs. Is it because of his blocking ability?

 

[nighttrain]

Sir Isaac and The lightning bolt (Holt) are all time favs, and Kupp is their equal
train

 

[Merlin]

More than Bruce or Holt? I love me some Kupp, and he’s top 3 for sure, but I have a hard time putting him above those. If Kupp can string together multiple dominant years, sure, but he’s yet to do that, unfortunately. I also am unsure about the TE comparison. He’s only 6’2 and 210 lbs. Is it because of his blocking ability?

None of them pulled off a triple crown plus Super Bowl MVP. He is our greatest in my estimation. The guy comes out and the offense instantly drops off big time in potency.

Longevity is a question right now. But I think by the time he is done there will be no questions.