LOS ANGELES — Puka Nacua isn’t just having a “good start” to his career; he is re-writing the history books. After three seasons, the Los Angeles Rams sensation has hauled in a staggering 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is on a trajectory that puts Jerry Rice’s records on notice. But even the NFL’s most unstoppable force has obstacles he can’t simply run through.
Fresh off a grueling NFC Championship run, Nacua sat down with Underdog Fantasy this week and dropped a bombshell for defensive film junkies: his personal list of the top three toughest cornerbacks in the league. The list includes a former teammate, a ghost he’s never faced, and the one man who recently put “Puka Mania” on mute.
The Mentor: Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins)
Nacua didn’t hesitate to pay homage to the man who sharpened his skills during his rookie training camp. Although Ramsey now patrols the secondary for the Miami Dolphins, the respect remains absolute.
The two have clashed only once in a meaningful game. While the box score shows Nacua winning the battle—snagging nine catches for 98 yards against Miami—Nacua admits Ramsey’s cerebral game is unlike anything else. It’s a chess match where Ramsey knows the route before the ball is snapped. The veteran’s ability to bait quarterbacks and jump routes forces Nacua to be technically flawless on every single rep.
The Kryptonite: A.J. Terrell (Atlanta Falcons)
This choice might surprise the casual fan, but it won’t shock anyone who watched the Rams’ Week 17 loss to Atlanta this past season. In a year where Nacua seemed invincible, A.J. Terrell dragged him into deep water.
The stats tell the grim story: five catches for just 47 yards. While Nacua did salvage his fantasy day with a touchdown, Terrell largely erased him from the game plan. The Falcons’ corner pressed him at the line, disrupted the timing of the McVay offense, and forced Matthew Stafford to look elsewhere. It was the only time all season Nacua looked human, and the receiver clearly hasn’t forgotten the frustration of being stranded on “Terrell Island.”
“You watch the film, and A.J. [Terrell] just doesn’t panic. Most guys, when the ball is in the air, they panic. He plays through the hands. That Week 17 game… man, he made me work for every single inch. That’s the kind of battle you respect.”
— Puka Nacua, via Underdog Fantasy
The White Whale: Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos)
The final name on Nacua’s list is a player he has never lined up against—not in the NFL, and not in college. Patrick Surtain II.
Nacua’s selection of the Broncos’ All-Pro speaks volumes about Surtain’s league-wide reputation. Without a single snap of direct experience, Nacua recognizes the technique and physicality Surtain puts on tape every Sunday. It’s a “game recognizes game” moment, setting the stage for a massive hype cycle if the Rams and Broncos ever cross paths in the 2026 schedule.
What This Means for 2026
For defensive coordinators, Nacua’s list is a blueprint. He respects physical corners who challenge him at the line (Terrell) and cerebral savants who can read the play (Ramsey). As the Rams look to rebound from their playoff exit and reload for another Super Bowl push, expect teams to try and replicate the A.J. Terrell formula. Good luck with that, though—Nacua rarely lets the same trick work twice.
