Los Angeles Rams Earn High Marks in 2023 NFL Draft Regrade

The Los Angeles Rams made a surprise playoff appearance on the backs of a stellar rookie class.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs after a / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams were one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2023, in large part thanks to an outstanding performance by their rookie class.

Los Angeles made a staggering 14 picks in last year's draft, and most of them wound up being hits. From offensive lineman Steve Avila to pass-rushers Kobie Turner and Byron Young, the Rams found core contributors on both sides of the ball. Above all of them lies the crown jewel of the draft class in receiver Puka Nacua, who set rookie records in receptions and receiving yards.

After an outstanding rookie season from so many players, the Rams did very well in The Athletic's 2023 NFL Draft regrade, earning a B and placing in the "sped up the timeline" tier.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs after a / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

"Puka Nacua’s (No. 177) rookie season has been covered in depth — he produced nearly 1,500 yards receiving on 160 targets," The Athletic writes. "His blocking ability as a big slot also brought new versatility to the Rams’ run game, something that had been sorely missed since the early days of Sean McVay’s tenure. Best of all, Nacua’s emergence gives Los Angeles a smooth succession plan if the wear and tear on Cooper Kupp continues to hurt his production and availability.

"Byron Young (No. 77) and Kobie Turner (No. 89) combined for 98 pressures and 17 sacks — an incredible amount of production from rookie defensive linemen. Los Angeles’ highest pick, Steve Avila (No. 36), gave the offense an immediate return as a mauler in the run game and a solid pass protector."

It's worth noting that despite the B grade, only two other teams, the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers, earned a grade on par or better than the Rams.

Even with four key contributors already, the best may still be yet to come as several other players are still a work in progress. If they develop well, this could be a generational draft class for the Rams.