What the NFL doesn't know about the young Rams DL can hurt them, badly

Rams 2024 rookie class has realistic goals

While that may not seem like much of a difference, redistributing defensive snaps gives former starters a much better chance of staying healthy and fresh throughout a long 17 game season. But it will also ensure the team cycles through talented rookies into the rotation.

Both Jonah Williams and Aaron Donald combined for 10.0 QB sacks, 102 tackles, and 38 quarterback pressures in 2023. While no one player can match Donald's ferocity alone, the combination of several rookies could match the aggregate production of both Jonah Williams and Aaron Donald combined.

Kobie Turner and Byron Young combined for 17.0 QB sacks, 118 tackles, and 50 quarterback pressures in 2023. This defense could find similar lofty production from a combination of Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. While that may seem unlikely, keep in mind that the team chose both rookies from the same collegiate defense to ensure that they have already forged a friendship and on-field chemistry.

If the gamble pays off, the team will enjoy nearly 40.0 QB sacks, 100+ QB pressures, and over 240+ tackles just from four of the players rotating on the defensive front. That is not something that any NFL analyst or projection has taken into account.

Of course, nobody knows the future. But with so many tepid projections for the LA Rams future, the risk of this team failing to excel on the defensive side of the football is already baked into the numbers. But nobody has dared to forecast the Rams defensive living up to some optimistic expectations.

What the NFL doesn't know about the young Rams DL can hurt them, badly. If teams expect to pass and run against this young defensive front at will, they may end up suffering a rude awakening. I'm not proclaiming this defense to be a Top-3 unit just yet. But I am saying that this defense will be better than expected.

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