Most Shocking Rams NFL Draft Selection

Third-round, 89th overall. Wake Forest DT Kobie Turner

The LA Rams elected to strengthen their supporting cast for DT Aaron Donald by selecting the 6-foot-2, 290-pound run-stopper Kobie Turner. 12-picks earlier in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Rams selected Tennessee OLB Byron Young with the 77th overall pick. In the second round, TCU G Steve Aliva was selected 36th overall by the Rams.

But perhaps the most shocking Rams selection is:

Turner will be expected to make an instant impact on the defense. The defensive line lost DT Greg Gaines to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so Turner should be expected to fill a similar-type role. The two players are similar, a shorter defensive tackle that specializes in stopping the run.

Turner played at FCS Richmond University for three seasons before transferring to Wake Forest for his senior season. Kobie was a former walk-on at Richmond and developed into an All-American FCS player. Turner posted 10.0 tackles for a loss with 2.0 quarterback sacks for the Demon Deacons, according to sports-reference.com.

Bang for their Buck

Did the Rams get the best value at pick 89? Prospects such as TE Darnell Washington and S Jordan Battle were on the board, and the Rams passed. Darnell Washington is a 6-foot-7 tight end from Georgia and showed NFL-caliber blocking abilities in college. Jordan Battle is a do-it-all safety that hits hard but is comfortable in coverage.

Multiple sources providing mock NFL drafts had Kobie Turner as a fourth-round pick. Did the Rams possibly reach out to get their guy, maybe? But more importantly, the Rams got their guy. A pre-draft meeting was held with Turner, and you can see the relationship forming between him and defensive line coach Eric Henderson. A coach-and-player relationship can single-handily improve both a player's skill and mindset. "I told you, coach," said Turner to Coach Henderson.

The Rams did get bang for their buck at pick 89. The defensive line got a skilled player in the form of Kobie Turner and could form into a solid duo with All-pro Aaron Donald. The Rams had a solid draft, but did they get graded as such? Kobie Turner had the highest PFF grade among draft-eligible defensive tackles at 92.2.

The Rams created a theme in the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting hard-working players. Not only is Turner a former walk-on, but the fourth-round pick was also a walk-on.

Former Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett patiently waited his turn before leading the Bulldogs to two straight National Championships. Stetson won't be expected to have an immediate impact like Turner, but the quarterback will be the first man up if Matthew Stafford is out due to injury. Kobie Turner will most likely start next to Aaron Donald on the line to begin the 2023 season.