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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Puka Nacua had one of the most diverse usage in the NFL since 2024
Sean McVay’s offense has long thrived on versatility, but a closer look at how the Los Angeles Rams deploy their top receiving options reveals two completely different approaches to stretching NFL defenses.
NFL analyst Sam Hoppen graphed alignment and route diversity for receivers with a minimum of 450 snaps across the past two seasons using data from Sumer Sports and nflfastr. It showed that Puka Nacua operated as a high-volume chameleon across the entire field while Adams, who only played for the Rams in 2025 after spending the 2024 season with the Raiders and Jets, relied on specialized execution from set alignments.
Taking a look at which wide receivers have had the most diversity in their route deployment and pre-snap alignment over the past two seasons: Data via @SumerSports pic.twitter.com/TIeLAEk3qQ
— Sam Hoppen (@SamHoppen) July 27, 2026 Nacua lands firmly in the high-diversity top-right quadrant. Ranking in roughly the 76th percentile in route diversity and 87th percentile in alignment diversity, Nacua is shifted, motioned, and aligned everywhere from the boundary to the slot. That schematic freedom directly translated into statistical dominance: Nacua hauled in 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the NFL in receptions in 2025. His route variety allows him to work every level of the field while generating 678 yards after the catch.
Adams, on the other hand, operates from the bottom-right quadrant. With roughly 63rd percentile route diversity and 70th percentile alignment diversity, Adams features a slightly more specialized deployment tree. Rather than moving him constantly around the formation, the Rams utilize Adams' release package and route tree to attack specific matchups.
That concentrated usage turned Adams into an elite scoring weapon. Despite a lower alignment variation, Adams caught 60 passes for 789 yards and a team-high 14 receiving touchdowns. His route tree was lethal in the red zone, where his footwork and timing proved unguardable near the goal line.
By pairing Nacua’s high-diversity, all-field usage with Adams’ specialized route tree, Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense consistently keep opposing secondary coordinators in conflict.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua had one of the most diverse usage in the NFL since 2024
Puka NacuaNFLPuka Nacua'sSean McVay’sLos Angeles RamsSam HoppenSumer SportsAdamsRamsRaidersJetsTaking
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