Puka Nacua isn’t resting on his laurels after a historic rookie season in 2023. He’s finding ways to get better and training with Cooper Kupp all offseason was certainly a step in the right direction.
Nacua worked out with Kupp at the receiver’s house after the Super Bowl, getting his body right for Year 2. And the results are noticeable. Nacua said he’s lost 10 pounds, bringing him down to 210 after playing at 220 last season. That was done by training with Kupp and changing his diet, being more aware of the food he was eating.
In an interview with ESPN, Rams WRs coach Eric Yarber can already see how beneficial those changes have been. Yarber said Nacua “looks just like Cooper” and gained “so much lean muscle” that will give him better body control.
“His body is totally different,” Yarber said. “He looks just like Cooper. He’s lost so much body fat and gained so much lean muscle, which enabled him to move more efficiently now. And he has better body control. But he did exactly what I said.
“And you’re seeing some of the results right now.”
Yarber told Nacua to “hold on to Cooper Kupp’s coattails and train with him and do everything he does,” which Puka certainly has done. Kupp is the perfect veteran to follow, too, because he puts in the time and effort the way Aaron Donald always did.
Nacua could be in for a big second season in the NFL if he continues to progress and develop the way the Rams believe he will.
