Turf Show Times
Puka Nacua and Jared Verse only Rams to make PFF’s list
The Los Angeles Rams have built a solid young core over the last two offseasons, as evidenced by back-to-back playoff appearances. Pro Football Reference took notice as the outlet named two Rams to its annual ranking of the top 101 players from the 2024 season.
First up was reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, who came in at No. 27. PFF writers Mason Cameron, Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick shared what made the first-year Florida State product so special:
“As PFF’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, Verse rightfully earns his place on this list ahead of some more established names at the position. While many top edge rushers unleash their explosiveness primarily on passing downs, Verse’s relentless motor shows up on every snap. He finished in the top 10 among edge defenders in both pass-rush grade (85.5) and run-defense grade (81.0), proving his all-around impact.”
Verse made himself known early and often and showed out in LA’s two-game playoff run against the Vikings and Eagles. Next on the list was Puka Nacua who landed two spots behind Verse at No. 29. Here is what Cameron, Wasserman and Chadwick had to say about the All-Pro wideout:
“Nacua finished the 2024 season with the NFL’s highest receiving grade (92.6), leading the league in both yards per route run (3.23) — well ahead of the next closest qualifier (2.86) — and threat percentage (35.6%). He would have been a lock for the top 10 on this list if he had maintained that production over a full season. However, with just 350 receiving snaps — less than half of the league leader—his limited workload pushes him slightly further down the rankings.”
The second-year playmaker was among four wide receivers listed in the top 30—Ja’Marr Chase (21), Justin Jefferson (24) and Nico Collins (25). Seeing Nacua ranked so high was surprising, considering he missed five games due to injury and still fell 10 yards shy of a 1,000-yard campaign. Then, I realized that his inclusion shouldn’t have come as a surprise whatsoever since he routinely made spectacular plays like this:
Last season might not have ended how the Rams preferred, but Verse and Nacua are proof that the kids are all right in Los Angeles.
