9 bold predictions for the Los Angeles Rams for the 2024 season

(7) Rams defense will have at least 2 players with 10+ QB sacks

There is not a lot of respect being shown to this young Rams defense. And that is a bit confusing to me, especially after the LA Rams 2023 rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young had an outstanding NFL debut. They were devastatingly effective as rookies, leading every rookie in the class in quarterback sacks (Kobie Turner had 9.0 sacks, while Byron Young had 8.0 sacks).

Better still, they combined to terrorize opposing quarterbacks last season, getting 110 quarterback pressures in their rookie season.

While we cannot ignore the fact that the absence of Aaron Donald in 2024 will allow offensive linemen to pay more attention to the superb Rams duo, there is another wave of rookies arriving to put pressure on quarterbacks.

With the arrival of rookie OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske, this defense is banking on the same song in verse II. Even the most skeptical reports out of training camp have been quite clear on the matter, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are likely to be instant NFL impact players.

So let's think this one through for just a moment. The second season of Kobie Turner and Byron Young is bound to be more productive for both players, because that is what NFL trends tell us about sophomore seasons for defensive front players. And then you have two new rookies in OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske, both of who are the equivalent of Round 1 talent, joining this defense.

And my bold prediction is only two players end up with 10.0+ quarterback sacks by year's end? Well, considering that this team has only accomplished that feat twice in the past seven years, yes. That's a pretty bold prediction.

But I wouldn't be shocked if three players break that mark this season.