Puka Nacua

With the departure of Cooper Kupp and the arrival of Davante Adams, the numbers for Puka Nacua may drop slightly from projectioms. Of more concern to me is his very agressive running style which may lead to injuries. Needs more touchdowns too. 

The Rams have replaced Cooper Kupp with aging veteran Davante Adams. What does that mean for Puka Nacua? Perhaps a small drop in the volume of targets headed his way, but he should still be the top target in the Rams' offense. 

Nacua's availability is the greatest issue with his game. He's a physical player who already told the media that he plans to play another 4-5 years and retire at 30 due to fear of long-term health problems. 

With Davante Adams playing opposite Nacua, we should see more efficiency for Nacua this year but expect Adams to be the leading producer. 

A bully at 210 pounds, Sean McVay loves to utilize him in motion, on screens, and on play-action crossers to allow him to utilize his incredible yards after catch ability. Nacua's ranks last season: first in Yards Per Route Run (3.56), fifth in targets per game (9.6), third in receptions per game (7.2), third in receiving yards per game (90), 14th in NextGen's Yards After Catch per Reception (6.7), and 15th in NextGen's Yards After Catch per Reception Above Expectation (+1.5).

Yes, the team replaced Cooper Kupp with Davante Adams and that is pretty much a lateral move, talent wise. However, Kupp's relationship with Matthew Stafford commanded a target share that Adams won't necessarily inherit. Nacua could be the new chosen favorite for Stafford and 160 targets or more are in play.

He'll be a key piece of a balanced Rams offense. His efficiency is why he's here. He might not see the volume some other top options will with Davante Adams now in the fold. Still, very few options make more of their opportunities than he does.