Aaron Donald's return will bring the best out of his former Rams pupils

In 2023, Aaron Donald welcomed Los Angeles Rams rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young to his defense. Few fans and even fewer NFL analysts thought much about either newcomer's chances to contribute to a unit that had just shed many stars because of payroll constraints. But Donald believed. And the rest was history.

Just three years later, both Turner and Young are seasoned veterans, key starters to in coordinator Chris Shula's group. Both are formidable forces worth much more than they're earning in the final year of their rookie contracts.

And now, they get to welcome Donald back.

Nobody is talking much about this unexpected but seismic reunion. This is more than handshakes and hugs. This moment holds a special place in team history. Young went from unwanted draft prospect to Pro Bowler. The perennially underrated Turner has retained his infectious passion and smile. Both learned the ropes from Donald. Full circle.

Aaron Donald means more than a teammate to these 2 Rams stars

In his rookie season, Young put up 61 tackles and eight sacks. Turner recorded 57 tackles and nine sacks. In his final season, Donald put up 53 tackles and eight sacks. So, where's the difference?

This: Donald gobbled up blockers two or more at a time so that his younger teammates could make plays. And that's just what they did.

Young has steadily improved. Turner's box-score production has plateaued primarily because offenses have trained their double teams on him. But both continue to create chaos in the trenches. That will only improve with Donald's return.

To a degree, the tables have also turned. Now, Young and Turner are equipped to carry their weight and then some. As a result, Donald will have an easier path to the quarterback and the ball carrier. They will be joined by nose tackle Poona Ford and Myles Garrett.

Some question how much Donald has left in the tank. That's not the right question. The better question is how Donald fits in this defense. The answer is that he fits like a custom-fitted suit. He trained Young and Turner, and now he is rejoining them.

Young, Turner, and Donald are together again. The last time that happened, the Rams exceeded everyone's expectations. Now, the defense is bolstered with an entourage of other elite playmakers.

While all eyes train on Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson, watch Turner and Young this season and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Aaron Donald is back, and there is no way they disappoint him.

As always, thanks for reading.

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