Rams' inside-out defensive duo is about to crank the heat even higher

In last week's joint practice, the Dallas Cowboys had no answer for the Los Angeles Rams' inside-out duo, namely defensive lineman Kobie Turner and edge rusher Byron Young. This week, they stumped the Saints as well. That's how these young defenders roll. No one expects the punch they pack. No one seems to have much of an explanation in the aftermath.

Even general manager Les Snead, who read their 2023 draft profiles as 'potential star' rather than the consensus ham-and-egger, has been a bit surprised at their success.

Young was discounted as a talented but too-mature prospect. Teams weren't interested in adding a rookie as old as many veterans on their rosters.

The feisty, versatile Turner was thought too small to handle NFL physicality. Fortunately the Rams rolled the dice on both. Each player's passion for football burned to the core.

Byron Young, Kobie Turner continue growing together

Retooling after a disastrous 2022 season, Los Angeles found itself in the unenviable position of drafting starters in the third round. Recent Rams teams have seldom faced that type of bind. LA's process typically requires a year of development in order to get coaches to sign off on a young player's role. In 2023, the coaching staff didn't have the luxury of time.

Turner and Young faced tremendous pressure as rookies. But they were not thrown to the wolves. Both lined up next to All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Donald used his final season to mentor his star-struck teammates.

Playing alongside Donald was undoubtedly the highlight of their young NFL careers, but they have only grown since then. Now, as they enter the final year of their rookie contracts, Turner and Young are putting every ounce of mastery into each snap of the ball.

Neither attracts controversy like former teammate Jared Verse. Neither steals the spotlight like Myles Garrett. To many observers, they are simply pieces of the Rams' defensive puzzle.

And yet, coaches and opponents recognize the duo's ability to create havoc on a weekly the basis. Stuffing the run, pursuing the quarterback, or simply shedding blockers, both find ways to steer the game in LA's favor.

You could say that Turner and Young are putting pizzazz into their contract years. Sadly, with so many extensions coming due simultaneously, this could be their last season together.

As always, thanks for reading.

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