Rams struck gold due to a questionable decision another NFL team made

The Los Angeles Rams have another team to thank for their good fortune in drafting wide receiver Puka Nacua.  The Los Angeles Chargers.  Recently, the Chargers waived Sebastian Joseph-Day. On the surface, it appears to be a regular run-of-the-mill NFL transaction. But Joseph-Day's name will forever be linked to Los Angeles, and it isn't in […]

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Dec 21, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates his touchdown scored against the against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feature image via Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams have another team to thank for their good fortune in drafting wide receiver Puka Nacua. 

The Los Angeles Chargers. 

Recently, the Chargers waived Sebastian Joseph-Day. On the surface, it appears to be a regular run-of-the-mill NFL transaction. But Joseph-Day's name will forever be linked to Los Angeles, and it isn't in the Chargers' favor. 

Joseph-Day signed with the Chargers on a $8 million contract. 

The move created a fifth-round 2023 compensatory pick for the Rams. 

Funny enough, the Rams used that pick to draft Nacua, who has been one of the best rookies in the NFL this season. 

That has to hurt for the Rams' intrastadium rival. 

How good is Nacua? 

Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) carries the ball against the Washington Commanders in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) carries the ball against the Washington Commanders in the second half at SoFi Stadium.Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The answer: Really good. 

Currently, Nacua sits fourth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,327). He is also in the top 10 in receptions (96) with eight. 

He has quickly formed a synergy with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is enjoying a resurgent season with the re-tooled offensive weapons around him and an improved run game. 

Nacua has six games with 100 or more receiving yards. He is inching closer to records that have stood the test of time. He does have a few extra games than most rookie receivers in the past. 

Still, Nacua is in a class of his own. And it all worked out for the Rams because the Chargers made a move they would later come to regret. The saying goes, "Life comes at ya fast." For both teams in Los Angeles, that phrase rings true.