A few years ago, the Rams’ defensive line was built around a sure-fire Hall of Fame player and a supporting cast.
This season, with Aaron Donald entering his second year of retirement, the Rams’ defensive front is stacked with ascending stars and proven players.
“At any given moment,” nose tackle Kobie Turner said Monday, “you got to be ready for any one of us to strike — and that’s dangerous.”
The defensive line mostly controlled Monday’s practice, the Rams’ first in pads.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford remained sidelined because of a back issue, and receiver Davante Adams and tight end Tyler Higbee only observed.
Turner, Braden Fiske, new addition Poona Ford and edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young were among the players who made it tough on a run-heavy offense led by Jimmy Garoppolo.
“These guys are the real deal,” coach Sean McVay said of the front.
Ford, 29, was signed by the Rams to bolster their rushing defense. The Rams gave up 130 yards rushing per game last season, which ranked 22nd among 32 teams.
Ford, 5 feet 11 and 310 pounds, spent his first five NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and then one with the Buffalo Bills before playing last season for the Chargers.
His knack for clogging the middle was on full display during the practice in pads.
“You saw his worth,” Turner said. “Just the way that he commands attention, the way that he defeats double teams.”
Turner, a team captain, was a finalist for 2023 NFL defensive rookie of the year. Fiske earned the same recognition last season. Ford and second-year pro Tyler Davis give the Rams four “interchangeable” interior linemen, Turner said.
“You can plug and play whatever position,” he said, adding that “position flexibility” will be a Ramsstrength.
“I’m excited to see how that translates on the field, how that keeps us fresh and, ultimately, how that ends up with us doing a better job in the run game, and obviously get more sacks as well,” he said.
Verse is the reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year. Young is a third-year pro. The Rams drafted Josaiah Stewart in the third round to bolster an edge-rushing group that includes third-year pro Nick Hampton and second-year pro Brennan Jackson.
Turner is looking forward to again being a leader of the defense.
“It definitely means a lot to me to be the head of the snake,” he said, “and that’s a big responsibility. … To be able to lead this group, like I can’t be slackin’. I can’t not be making plays. I can’t not be producing, because this group is too talented.”
Etc.
Coach Sean McVay reiterated that Stafford would remain out this week. … The Rams and Kyren Williams have had “very healthy conversations” regarding a possible contract extension, but “no new updates,” McVay said. … Rookie running back Jarquez Hunter got a lot of carries and impressed McVay. “He’s got a really good demeanor, man,” McVay said. “He’ll just kind of stare a hole through you.” … Garoppolo completed several passes to Puka Nacua in tight coverage. … Rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield made an impressive sideline catch on a pass from Stetson Bennett, who continues to show development in his third training camp.
This story originally appeared on LA Times
