'Immediate Contributors!' McVay Praises Rams' Rookie Class

The Los Angeles Rams struggled throughout the preseason, but rookies Steve Avila, Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Puka Nacua have earned the praise of head coach Sean McVay.

It is no secret that the Los Angeles Rams are on the most inexperienced teams in football. Their initial 53-man roster, established Tuesday, includes 14 rookies.

Largely day three picks, it would be unrealistic to expect significant contributions from the entire class. On Tuesday, Rams head coach Sean McVay took a moment to highlight the neophytes he expects to make an immediate impact.

“I think when you just look at our draft class in particular,” started McVay. “I’m really excited about [guard] Steve Avila, [edge rusher] Byron Young, [defensive lineman] Kobie Turner, [receiver] Puka Nacua, those are guys that come to mind as guys we count on being immediate contributors for us.”

Avila, the guard that Los Angeles selected 36th overall, is the team’s highest draft pick from the 2023 class. He has impressed throughout camp and doesn’t have much competition for a starting role. This preseason, he’s excelled as a pass protector, posting an immaculate 85.3 pass-blocking grade per Pro Football Focus.

Young and Turner project to see significant snaps along the defensive line, too. The Rams’ run defense was gashed repeatedly this preseason and is a legitimate question heading into Week 1. With time for waiver claims before Sept. 10, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Los Angeles grab a veteran pass rusher to add to the mix.

Further, Nacua’s rise at receiver has been evident this summer. As the 177th pick, being on track for any sort of legitimate contribution is impressive in year one. He caught three of five targets in the first preseason game, totaling 32 yards and a score. He seems to have solidified himself as the team’s fourth receiver, with room to grow into a starting role as the season develops.

“Those four that I mentioned are the guys that really have kind of shown that they’ve earned a role,” McVay said. “They’ve earned a right to be big-time factors right away.”

It was an optimistic presser from McVay, who could be compensating for Sunday’s humbling 41-0 affair against the Denver Broncos. Regardless, his praise of those rookies has been consistent throughout camp. They’ll have a chance to make their mark in a game that counts Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.