For a franchise that has leaned toward an “F Them Picks” philosophy in recent years, the Los Angeles Rams are certainly doing a fine job getting their draft selections on the field at a ridiculous rate of value in the 2023 season. Fifth-round receiver Puka Nacua is on pace to shatter several rookie records, and second-round guard Steve Avila has allowed just two sacks and 31 total pressure this season. Outside of Nacua and Avila, the Rams’ two most impressive rookies have been edge-rusher Byron Young from Tennessee, and defensive lineman Kobie Turner from Wake Forest.
Only Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans and Tuli Tuipulotu of the Los Angeles Chargers have more total pressures among edge defenders than Young’s 46 (seven sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 25 quarterback hurries), and no rookie interior defensive lineman has more pressures than Turner’s 45 (11 sacks, five quarterback hits, 29 quarterback hurries). Even Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles, thought by many to be this year’s “Annual Generational” defensive prospect, hasn’t disrupted quarterbacks at Turner’s rate.
