Rams Face Tough Draft Decisions After Puka Nacua Incident

Nacua's off-field troubles could impact Los Angeles' NFL Draft plans.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Los Angeles Rams' uniform colors, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the team's draft strategy.The Rams' draft plans face uncertainty as they navigate the off-field troubles surrounding star receiver Puka Nacua.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Rams have had a strong offseason, trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. However, the biggest story has been wide receiver Puka Nacua's offseason, which has included allegations of an antisemitic statement and biting a woman's shoulder. Nacua's attorney has denied the allegations and revealed that Nacua has been checked into rehab, but his status for OTAs is uncertain. This development has created a dilemma for the Rams, who hold the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and could be in the market for a receiver.

Why it matters

The Nacua situation puts the Rams in a tough spot as they approach the draft. They may need to address the receiver position early, even with Davante Adams still on the roster, to provide depth and insurance in case Nacua's issues linger. This could impact their draft strategy and the players they target with their first-round pick.

The details

The Rams have a few options with the 13th overall pick. They could target one of the top receivers in the class, such as Ohio State's Carnell Tate, USC's Makai Lemon, or TCU's Jordyn Tyson. However, the team may also decide to wait until the second or third round to address the receiver position, with players like Chris Bell, Germie Bernard, Antonio Williams, or Skyler Bell potentially available later in the draft.

  • Puka Nacua's attorney revealed that the receiver has been checked into rehab.
  • The Rams hold the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has faced off-field allegations and has been checked into rehab.

Levi McCathern

Puka Nacua's attorney, who has denied the allegations against his client and revealed that Nacua has been checked into rehab.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback acquired by the Los Angeles Rams in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, bolstering their defensive backfield.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback signed by the Los Angeles Rams in free agency, further strengthening their secondary.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his ability to coach around player absences.

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What they’re saying

“Nacua will be ready for OTAs.”

— Levi McCathern, Puka Nacua's attorney

What’s next

The Rams will need to monitor Nacua's situation and determine if they need to address the receiver position early in the draft, potentially with their 13th overall pick.

The takeaway

The Puka Nacua situation has created a dilemma for the Los Angeles Rams as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. The team may need to prioritize the receiver position, even with Davante Adams still on the roster, to provide depth and insurance in case Nacua's off-field issues linger. This could impact their draft strategy and the players they target with their first-round pick.