Rams WR Puka Nacua still trying to reach Cooper Kupp's expectations: 'He set the standard for us'

Puka Nacua set the all-time bar for rookie receivers, earning the record for receiving yards and receptions in 2023. Still, the star wideout continues chasing greatness within his own receiver room.

Nacua noted Monday that the standard is always high when your teammate is a former triple crown winner like Cooper Kupp.

“I feel like I’m still trying to reach Coop’s expectations,” Nacua said, via the team’s official website. “Because he set the standard for us in the wide receiver room and for a lot of receivers in the NFL. I mean, to be the triple crown winner. I just mentioned it to him not too long ago, I don’t know how wide receivers have won a Super Bowl MVP.

The bar is still set incredibly high, and I don’t believe I’m anywhere near meeting it.

Nacua made a strong debut in the NFL as a fifth-round pick, securing over 100 yards in three of his first four games as a rookie. Overall, he achieved more than 100 yards in seven games, with three exceeding 150 yards. The wide receiver totaled 105 catches and 1,486 yards, scoring six touchdowns. His performance led him to the Pro Bowl.

In addition to his regular-season records, Nacua set a new single-game postseason record for a rookie when he went for 181 yards on nine catches with a touchdown in the playoff loss to Detroit.

Nacua, who is not known for resting on his laurels, dedicated his offseason to training with Kupp. This was a learning opportunity for him to understand how professionals approach the offseason. He shared that the seasoned wideout imparted knowledge on nutrition, the significance of rest, and naturally, the professional method of conditioning.

Nacua reflected on his strenuous conditioning days, recalling his first week back when he vomited daily which irked his trainer as it was on his lawn. Despite this, he found the experience enjoyable and felt that he had seamlessly picked it up again. He was initially uncertain about his offseason plan, but following Coop’s guidance made the process straightforward and focused him in the right direction.

Nacua had an incredible rookie season, yet there is still space for improvement. Having the opportunity to train with Kupp for an entire offseason is a positive indication that his development will keep progressing upwards.