Could Kobie Turner Be Rams Breakout Player?

Los Angeles Rams rookie third-round pick Kobie Turner could benefit playing next to Aaron Donald.

The offseason brought about many changes for the Los Angeles Rams, especially upfront on the defensive line. As part of general manager Les Snead's roster "remodeling" project, the Rams let go of starting contributors on their defensive line from a season ago.  

Both defensive tackles A'Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines didn't return to the Rams after being allowed to walk in free agency. Additionally, L.A. released their sack leader and outside linebacker/edge rushing hybrid, Leonard Floyd. So, what was their plan to replace all of these guys? 

In the past, the Rams usually would've made a blockbuster trade or signed players in free agency to fill holes in their roster. But those were considered "win-now" moves when the Rams were still in contention for a Super Bowl, which many would say they aren't in anymore. Instead, Snead opted to fill the roster through the NFL Draft, where he landed rookies Byron Young and Kobie Turner. 

Both have made it through the first few stages of preparation for the regular season and have just a month to rest before the start of training camp at the end of July. The Rams hope that the rookie pairing can help replace the veterans they lost, and so far, it seems they are seeing good signs from Turner.  

"I think Kobie Turner on the defensive side of the ball, he's done an amazing job," Sean McVay said recently via the Rams' official website. I've really been impressed with just his professionalism. He shines. His relentless effort to the football and then being able to just understand the nuances of what we're asking of him."

Turner, the former Wake Forest Demon Deacon, was taken No. 89 overall in the third round of the draft and is hoping to feature alongside Aaron Donald on the interior of the defensive line. 

In one year playing at the Power-Five level after transferring from Richmond, Turner produced for Wake Forest recording 38 total tackles, 10 for a loss, and two sacks. As he showed in his senior season, a step up in competition isn't an issue for Turner. After playing at the FCS level with the Spiders, Turner went straight to the ACC and turned himself into a Day 2 NFL Draft pick. 

If he can manage to win the starting job that A'Shawn Robinson once held as the partner Donald, Turner will have the advantage of more one-on-one matchups due to the Hall of Famer drawing the double teams. 

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