LA Rams unsung heroes on defense need to show up in Week 8 and beyond

Hero III: Kobie Turner

The selection of nose tackle Kobie Turner out of Wake Forest was not heralded as a huge upgrade for the LA Rams roster after the Rams selected him with the 89th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. While he was not an obvious nose tackle, we pointed out that he was the perfect padawan to Jedi Master, DL Coach Eric Henderson.

Kobie Turner, much like Coach Henny, is impossible not to like. He has an infectious smile, loves the game, and combines the agility and speed of former NT Greg Gaines with the sheer enjoyment of the role of former NT Sebastian Joseph Day. Best of all, he simply keeps improving with each week, which is great news for the LA Rams defense.

While he is nowhere close to the power of his All-Pro teammate, DL Aaron Donald, Kobie Turner has a similar style and is clearly benefiting from learning from Donald so far this season. That's priceless value, as the Rams are aware that the career of Aaron Donald grows shorter with each passing game.

Kobie Turner is not a typical blocker-gobbler type of nose tackle. He has the ability to split double teams, make tackles, and even put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With each game that passes, he adds to his experience, and becomes better and better.