After amazing rookie seasons, this Rams trio prepares for a sophomore surge

II: DT/NT Kobie Turner 'The Conductor'

He smiles, talks trash, laughs loud and long. But when former Wake Forest nose tackle Kobie Turner puts his hand in the dirt, he means business. Much like Byron Young, the outlook for Turner was lukewarm at best. Even Rams fans, some of whom consider themselves a cut above the standard fan in terms of expertise and knowledge, were disappointed in the team selecting Turner.

Thought to be too small to play nose tackle, and too short to play defensive tackle, and simply not strong enough to play for any length of time on the defensive line, may openly stated that Turner was a prospect who they believed would have remained on the board through Day 3.

Thankfully, the team paid them no heed. When he was selected in Round 3, you can hear the enthusiasm to play for the LA Rams and DL Coach DL Eric Henderson. In retrospect, it was clear that Turner was already set mentally to do whatever it took to excel for the Rams.

While we were thrilled with Turner, even we may have missed the value of Coach Henny's #DAWGWORK as a foundational principle for Kobie Turner's rookie season. Citing Discipline, Attitude, Work ethic, and Grit, the defensive line mantra is a choreographed menu as to how to succeed in the NFL.

Best of all, through the heat, sweat, sun, and fatigue, Kobie Turner remained in great spirits. He was ready to get to work, and when he arrived that is exactly what he did. He was so entertaining and dedicated that it was clear that Kobie Turner was going to become a fan favorite in 2023. But he would be popular neither for his infectious smile nor his loud laughter. He would be popular with the fans because he was so disruptive on the defensive line.