John Harbaugh Had Rams’ Rookie Sensation ‘Way Up’ on Ravens’ Draft Board
John Harbaugh may be the only NFL head coach other than Sean McVay not surprised by Puka Nacua’s rapid rise. Harbaugh admitted he had the Los Angeles Rams’ rookie wide receiver “way up” on the board for the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
Speaking ahead of the trip to L.A. on Sunday, December 10, Harbaugh said, “Oh yeah, I liked him. He was one of my highest-rated guys. You can ask anybody here. Ask the wide receiver coach, ask the scouts. He was way up on my board. He’s playing exactly how I thought he would, for the record,” per Ryan Mink of Ravens.com.
The Ravens ultimately chose another prospect in Round 5, but McVay’s Rams struck gold when they selected Nacua 177th overall. Nacua’s been an instant hit, compiling 1,029 receiving yards through 12 games of a sensational rookie season.
He has the chance to show the Ravens what they missed when the Rams host Harbaugh’s team at SoFi Stadium in Week 14. Nacua has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but McVay offered an update that should worry the Ravens, revealing the player “did everything,” despite being listed as “limited” during practice on Wednesday, December 6, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
If Nacua’s full go, the former BYU standout’s double act with Cooper Kupp will be a problem for Baltimore’s league-leading defense. One All-Pro is already aware of the danger.
John Harbaugh, Ravens Made Rare Draft Miss
The Ravens are noted for their draft success, but passing on Nacua counts as a rare miss. Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta settled on cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly 20 picks before Nacua’s named was called.
Kelly was waived in August and eventually landed with the Green Bay Packers by way of the Seattle Seahawks. That’s a wasted pick, especially when compared with Nacua’s breakout campaign.
He continued his stellar run during Week 13’s victory over the Cleveland Browns, when Nacua joined a select group of receivers who share of a piece of NFL history, according to StatMuse.
