LOCALS IN THE NFL
Rams Select BYU WR Puka Nacua In 2023 NFL Draft
Apr 29, 2023, 1:37 PM | Updated: 1:52 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Los Angeles Rams selected former Orem High School and BYU Cougars wide receiver Puka Nacua with the No. 177 overall pick during the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 2023 NFL Draft took place at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri from April 27-29.
Nacua was the final pick of the fifth round.
The former BYU standout will join a Rams team that posted a 5-12 record in 2022.
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The NFL Draft is televised on NFL Network and ESPN.
About Puka Nacua
Before his college career, the Provo, Utah native played high school football at Orem High School. He finished his career with the Tigers as the owner of multiple state records.
Nacua helped the Tigers win back-to-back 4A state titles in 2017 and 2018.
A bloody nose and the snow didn't stop @OremTigerFball star Puka Nacua from doing a great interview with @RodZundel after the Tigers won their first state championship in 23 years. pic.twitter.com/1zXn3cvkln
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JeremiahJensen) November 20, 2017
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After high school, the receiver attended the University of Washington and played a couple of seasons for the Huskies.
During his two years in Seattle, Nacua had 16 catches for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
After the 2020 season, Nacua returned home to Provo and transferred to BYU. He immediately became a star for the Cougars.
In 2021, Nacua hauled in 43 receptions for 805 yards and six touchdowns. Despite battling injuries last season, Nacua recorded 48 catches for 625 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He also ran for 209 yards and five touchdowns in his final season at BYU.
RELATED: BYU Football Goes Into Transfer Portal Lands WR Brothers Puka, Samson Nacua
Jaren Hall with a strike to Puka Nacua.
🎥: @CFBONFOX
pic.twitter.com/OiEusvRyli— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2022
Nacua finished his BYU career with a total of 91 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns as a receiver. He added 39 carries for 357 yards and five touchdowns with his legs.
He declared for the NFL Draft in December 2022.
RELATED: Local Players Impress At 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Puka Nacua runs a 4.59 40 yard dash at #BYU pro day. #BYUFOOTBALL @kslsports pic.twitter.com/0h36P39kUx
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) March 24, 2023
Puka Nacua’s Pro Day Results
Height: 6012 (6’1 2/8)
Weight: 206
Hand: 9 3/8″
Arm: 31 7/8″
Wing: 75 3/8″
40-Yard Dash: 4.55 (Pro Day)
Bench Press: 15
Vertical Jump: 33”
Broad Jump: 10’1″
3-Cone Drill: 7.30
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.36
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
