Rams WR Puka Nacua recalls pre-draft meeting with Patriots

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a great game against the New England Patriots in Week 11.

He had seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. It was his first meeting with New England as a member of the Rams. However, he does have a bit of a history with the Patriots’ organization from his college days.

The Patriots met with Nacua at the Senior Bowl of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and the budding star receiver recalls wondering if the team was interested in drafting him after one interview.

“I remember they actually asked me about my blue light glasses,” Nacua said, via NESN.com’s Sean T. McGuire. “…I was like ‘Oh, man, maybe they thought I was really ready to take care of my body, which I feel like I’m getting better at. But it was one of those things that I remember from the Patriots interview.”

The Patriots eventually passed on Nacua and the Rams ended up taking him in the fifth round.

Nacua has become one of the most influential receivers in the NFL in his first two seasons. He burst onto the scene last year, recording 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Injuries have slowed him down so far this season.

Nevertheless, there’s no question the Patriots could have used his dynamic playmaking ability.