The Los Angeles Rams’ defense boasts several promising young players, including second-year draft picks Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. However, third-year man Kobie Turner has landed the claim of the Rams’ “most promising building block.”
The Rams selected Turner with the No. 89 overall pick of the 2023 draft.
He has 119 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 17.0 sacks so far in his career. Turner also has 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery.
“Turner stands out because of his versatility and sack totals in two seasons. Edge-rushers are expected to rack up pressures and take down quarterbacks. Next offseason, Turner could be one of the highest-paid defensive tackles because of his pass-rushing production,” Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton wrote on July 5.
“In two campaigns, Turner has registered 17 sacks and 42 pressures while lining up in various spots across the defensive line. Whether he’s lined up at nose tackle or defensive end, the multiskilled defender can make plays in the most impactful way for linemen on passing downs.”
Turner is in Year 3 of a four-year, $5.4 million rookie scale contract. He could approach $20-plus million on a new deal if Moton is correct.
Turner has already put himself among exclusive company in Rams franchise history.
Kobie Turner a Major Key to Rams’ Defense
GettyByron Young #0 and Kobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate a sack against the Minnesota Vikings.
Turner’s rookie season came alongside Rams legend Aaron Donald. Turner was selected 80 picks later than Donald. However, he ranks third behind only Donald and Hall of Famer Deacon Jones for most sacks over a player’s first two seasons in franchise history, per Stathead.
His 8.0 sacks in 2024 ranked behind only Fiske on the Rams.
“Turner has made his presence felt alongside Aaron Donald and filled an interior void after the star defensive tackle retired last offseason,” Moton wrote.
Notably, Pro Football Focus graded Turner 20th overall. He earned the 51st-best grade in pass rush but was 11th against the run. He graded out second overall, third against the run, and fourth in pass rush among Rams front-seven players with at least 500 snaps in 2024.
Kobie Turner Could Reach Next Level Alongside New Teammate.
GettyKobie Turner #91 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff.
Turner should benefit greatly from the Rams’ signing veteran interior defensive lineman Poona Foord in free agency.
He is certainly excited about the addition, which should free him up to make more plays.
“He’s one of those guys that has easy power, and just the way, the human that he is, the man that he is, the way that he’s come into this room. And he was a little bit quieter at first, but now he’s completely opened up to us, and we just have a great time together. And then, once we get on the field, or once we’re talking through things in the film room, you know exactly what he’s about. You know the player that he is and his caliber, and you see it come to life day in and day out,” Turner told J.B. Long in June during mandatory minicamp in Maui.
“I’m super excited. He’s one of those guys that gives you run-stopping ability and pass-rush ability. And he’s also one of those guys that’s going to play really hard, too. Big fella can run. So, he’s going to fit in just well with our group, and I’m excited to see it come to life on Sundays.”
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