5 LA Rams locked and loaded for a breakout seasons in 2023

How good will the LA Rams be this season?

As we patiently await the start of training camp, signifying the beginning of the NFL season, it's a great time to ponder breakout seasons for different players this fall. The LA Rams are in a great position to allow the best players to shine. "Can the Rams win a Super Bowl?" is long gone. LA Rams GM Les Snead and HC Sean McVay arguably have a more difficult task, building a young and dysfunctional roster back to a championship contender. It's not something they haven't done in the past.

In 2017, Rams Head Coach Sean McVay inherited a roster from previous head coach Jeff Fisher with players such as WR Tavon Austin, WR Kenny Britt, and LT Greg Robinson. When McVay was hired in 2017, he and Snead immediately set about reshaping the roster. The signing of veteran free agents WR Robert Woods and LT Andrew Whitworth was integral to the Rams' five consecutive winning records from 2017-2021.

Rams instant success

In his first season at the helm in 2017, the Rams went 11-5 and had an efficient season from multiple young players. In his second NFL season, QB Jared Goff threw 28 touchdowns and had just seven interceptions. RB Todd Gurley, at 23 years old, had 1,305 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 64 passes for 788 yards and six TD. 25-year-old Robert Woods hauled in 56 catches for 781 yards and five touchdowns.

In my opinion, this year's Rams team has a chance to be a form of the 2017 squad. Les Snead hasn't been as active in the free agent market as in years past. Could this be showing confidence in the 2023 draftees? The Rams have an abundance of youth on the roster mixed with an array of veterans to lead them. Here are five players poised to break out in the 2023 season.

1. Ernest Jones, ILB

Entering his third NFL season, LA Rams third-year inside linebacker Ernest Jones is primed for a breakout season. Following the departure of veteran ILB Bobby Wagner, Jones is set to take over the signal-calling duties for the defense. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is investing in the 23-year-old who demonstrated maturity and physicality in 2022, recording 66 solo tackles.

Jones is no stranger to being a captain of the defense. In 2019 at the University of South Carolina, Jones recorded a team-high 97 tackles, 20 more than anyone on the squad, according to gamecocksonline.com. Ernest recorded 5.5 tackles for loss, two INT, one sack, and a forced fumble. His outstanding play in the 2019 season was enough for Jones to be named a team captain for the 2020 season.

Playing alongside veterans pays dividends for young players early in their careers. Ernest Jones got the opportunity to learn from a Hall of Fame linebacker in the form of Bobby Wagner. Jones gets to step into the "green dot" role of the defense, the very spot Wagner played last season. Expect the third-year linebacker to have a stellar 2023 season for the Rams.

2. Puka Nacua, WR

A fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has made some noise leading into his first training camp with the Rams. Nacua, who played college football at BYU, led the Cougars in receiving in both 2021 and 2022.

"At 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, Nacua is sneaky good with the ball in his hands", according to nfl.com.

Nacua was a threat on the ground with BYU in 2022, posting 209 yards on 25 attempts and four touchdowns. Puka succeeded with jet sweeps and crisp route running at BYU, skills that should quickly translate to the NFL. The knocks on Nacua are his speed, predicting he'd have difficulty evading coverage from skilled cornerbacks. In WR Cooper Kupp's NFL draft profile, scouts questioned his ability to be a productive starter in the league. Nacua and Kupp scored identically in the athletic portion of the combine. Kupp's final prospect score was 76, and Nacua's at 65.

Nacua is an efficient route runner with skills that will quickly translate to the NFL. What will his playing time look like? Rams veteran wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson are penciled in at one and two on the WR depth chart, with WR Tutu Atwell and WR Ben Skowronek vying for the third slot. That leaves the rookie WR Puka Nacua fifth on the chart contending for more reps. A solid preseason would show that Puka can handle the NFL and build trust between him in the coaching staff. Nacua is a strong candidate for an impactful first season in the NFL.

3. Steve Avila, OG

LA Rams rookie IOL Steve Avila, the 36th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of TCU, is expected to be an impactful player in his first season as a Rams offensive lineman. Avila, a consensus NCAA All-American, started 46 games in his Horned Frog career. He was a leader on the offensive line that led TCU to the College Football Playoff National Championship. According to gofrogs.com, Avila has not allowed a sack for two consecutive seasons.

The Rams selected a proven offensive guard who will have an impact on the team next season. There is a legitimate argument that Avila is one of the most important players on the Rams' roster next season due to his draft status and positional need. The Rams' offensive line was abysmal in 2022 and needs a consistent anchor. Avila is expected to be that guy.

An important skill that Avila possesses is consistency. He played 46 games in his college career. A factor in the Rams' offensive line play being so poor was the amount of rotation in the lineup. If head coach Sean McVay can pencil Avila in at guard each week, it would change the perspective of the offensive line.

4. Derion Kendrick, CB

The Rams traded veteran CB Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins this off-season. That has opened the door for younger players to step up. So it's logical to expect second-year CB Derion Kendrick to step up. The 22-year-old defensive back showed promise in his rookie season, recording 43 tackles. The efficiency of his play in the 2023 season will be under a microscope due to the departure of Ramsey.

The secondary of Derion Kendrick, Robert Rochell, Cobie Durant, Russ Yeast, Quentin Lake, and David Long Jr. isn't the most skilled group the Rams have ever put together. Kendrick arguably has the most potential among the six players listed and will be a starter in the 2023 season.

The sixth-round draft pick has quickly improved in his short time in the NFL and will be tasked with a tough assignment "replacing" Jalen Ramsey. Kendrick likely won't be able to replace the All-Pro single-handly; it will have to be a group effort.

5. Zach Evans, RB

Another sixth-round pick, but this time in the 2023 NFL Draft. Zach Evans is a 5-foot-11, 202-pound running back from the University of Mississippi. In his only season with the Rebels, Evans ran for 936 yards on 144 attempts in eight games started, according to sports-reference.com. Zach scored more touchdowns(9) than games started(8). Evans began his college career with second-round pick Steve Avila at TCU, then transferred to Ole Miss after two seasons.

According to nfl.com, Evans was the first five-star recruit to sign with TCU. Evans never found his footing with the Horned Frogs but excelled in his single season with the Rebels. Zach has the build and explosiveness of an NFL running back at 202 pounds. His "lack of creativity" at the second level of the defense is a knack on his scouting report.

The Rams signed RB Sony Michel to a one-year deal, likely taking over the backup running back duties. That leaves Evans to compete with second-year RB Kyren Williams from Notre Dame, who was limited to ten games played in 2022 with an ankle injury.

Evans and Williams should get the most out of the reps in preseason games, giving both an opportunity for third on the depth chart. Evans should have the upper hand on Williams due to his body and explosiveness.