Puka Nacua Embracing Role as Student to Davante Adams in Rams' Revamped WR Room

Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (IMAGN)

With training camp right around the corner, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is still savoring the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s all-time greats: Davante Adams. The Rams made waves earlier this offseason by signing Adams in March, just three days before releasing longtime staple Cooper Kupp. While Kupp now suits up for the division rival Seahawks, the addition of Adams has reshaped L.A.'s receiving core, and perhaps even more importantly, given Nacua a new mentor in the wide receiver room.

"It's definitely gonna be different," Nacua shared during an appearance on The Insiders. "Davante, as soon as he stepped into the facility has been fantastic. The ability to learn from another all-time great has been— I feel like I'm stealing — I'm like a kid in the candy store."

And who could blame him? After all, Nacua has gone from catching passes from Matthew Stafford, being coached by Sean McVay, and learning from Kupp, to now sharing a huddle with Adams — a perennial Pro Bowler and master technician at the position. Adams, entering his 33-year-old season, joins the Rams after a split 2024 campaign with the Raiders and Jets. Despite the turbulence, he still crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth consecutive year, catching 85 passes for 1,073 yards and eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, Nacua — limited to just 11 games due to injury — came close to Adams’ production in less time, finishing with 79 catches for 1,000+ yards himself. That came on the heels of a historic rookie season in 2023 where he posted 105 receptions, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns.

Even with that résumé, Nacua remains a sponge. When asked what aspect of Adams’ game he most hopes to emulate, the answer was immediate:

“Route running,” he said. “His ability to change pace while he's moving on the football field, the ability to win against negative leverage, his suddenness at the line of scrimmage — it's fantastic to see.”

With Adams and Nacua leading the way, the Rams’ offense looks to rebound after finishing just 20th in scoring in 2024. Behind them, a blend of speed and youth rounds out the depth chart — with Tutu Atwell returning, Jordan Whittington stepping up, free-agent signee Britain Covey entering the mix, and seventh-rounder Konata Mumpfield hoping to find a role.

How the receiving corps jells with Stafford will go a long way in determining whether the Rams can build on last season’s NFC Divisional Round appearance. For Nacua, the countdown to camp is filled with excitement and anticipation.

"I can't wait to see the guys," he said. "I just want to see Matthew Stafford spin it. That's my favorite part of the day."

Training camp kicks off July 22. For Nacua and the Rams, the chase for another playoff run — and perhaps more — officially begins.