Rams Trade Down Twice, Select Wake Forest DT Kobie Turner With No. 89 Pick

After trading down twice in the third round, the Los Angeles Rams select Wake Forest defensive tackle Kobie Turner at No. 89 overall.

The Los Angeles Rams were more than content to keep trading back and accumulate picks in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. They entered the round with two picks, No. 69 and No. 77, but traded the former to the Houston Texans and moved down to No. 73. They then traded that pick to the New York Giants and moved further down to No. 89.

After selecting Tennessee edge rusher Byron Young at No. 77, the Rams finally made their second third-round pick at No. 89. With the pick, L.A. selected Wake Forest Demon Deacons defensive tackle, Kobie Turner.

Defensive line was a big need for the Rams entering this draft, with A'Shawn Robinson and Greg Gaines both leaving in free agency. Now the hope is that Turner can fortify the interior of said line. 

SI Draft Bible says Turner "thrived in 2022 despite jumping from the Colonial Athletic Association to the ACC, but the college veteran needs to polish his hand usage and pass rush moves before becoming an impact NFL player."

Turner began his college career with the Richmond Spiders but saw limited action in four seasons. He transferred to Wake Forest ahead of the 2022 season and had a solid season, recording 37 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Although not a flashy prospect, Turner has the potential to succeed at the NFL level.

"Turner’s motor runs hot," SI Draft Bible writes. "He makes plays downfield in pursuit and has a history of punching the ball out. As an athlete, Turner displays good agility for an interior player. His core strength, balance, and lower-body control are impressive. The redshirt senior fires off the line quickly and with good leverage."

The Rams are on the clock again with the No. 128 pick in the fourth round, acquired from the Giants on Friday night.

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