Los Angeles Rams’ Captain Is Now Turning Heads, Commanding Leaguewide Respect

When the Los Angeles Rams drafted Kobie Turner with the 89th overall pick in 2023, few outside the organization foresaw him becoming a foundational piece of the franchise. But by Year 2, Turner wasn’t just producing at a high level—he was named a team captain. In a locker room that included future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald and rising stars across the defense, Turner’s leadership stood out. So did his play.

Now entering his third season, Turner is no longer flying under the radar. He’s one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior defenders, and though he didn’t crack ESPN’s top 10 defensive tackles for 2025, he was one of just five players listed as honorable mentions in Jeremy Fowler’s executive poll.

“He has an ability to get off the ball and establish leverage,” one high-ranking NFC personnel executive told Fowler. “He has a natural feel to be in the right place at the right time and plays with urgency. He can also close the deal when there’s a chance for a TFL, pressure or sack.”

That balance of explosiveness, awareness, and finishing power has fueled Turner’s rise—and anchored the Rams’ defensive front in the post-Donald era.

Production Meets Versatility

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Turner followed up a standout rookie year (9.0 sacks) with another strong season in 2024, finishing with 62 total tackles, 8.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He now has 17 sacks in his first two seasons, ranking third in Rams franchise history behind only Donald and Deacon Jones for most by a player through two years.

Pro Football Focus graded Turner 20th overall among interior linemen last year, but his value to the Rams goes beyond pass rush. He ranked 11th against the run and 4th in pass rush among all Rams front-seven defenders with at least 500 snaps—a testament to his every-down impact.

“Turner stands out because of his versatility and sack totals in two seasons,” Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton wrote. “Whether he’s lined up at nose tackle or defensive end, the multiskilled defender can make plays in the most impactful way for linemen on passing downs.”

Stepping Out of the Shadows

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There’s no replacing a player like Aaron Donald. But Turner has helped the Rams write the next chapter on defense. His production, leadership, and maturity have made him the Rams’ most promising building block up front.

And he’s doing it without much national fanfare. While former first-rounder Jalen Carter of the Eagles is often cited as the future of the position, Turner’s numbers stack up favorably. In fact, Turner has more total tackles, sacks, and postseason impact than Carter through two seasons—and he was drafted nearly 60 picks later.

“It’s about knowing your role,” Turner said this offseason. “There are times I’m double-teamed, and that opens it up for someone else. You have to win to your leverage—or lose to your leverage—in ways that let your teammates make plays.”

That team-first mindset has endeared Turner to coaches and teammates alike.

Room to Grow—and Lead For The Los Angeles Rams

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The Rams added veteran Poona Ford this offseason, a move that should only elevate Turner’s game. The two are expected to form a stout interior duo alongside edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young.

“Poona’s one of those guys with easy power,” Turner said during minicamp. “Run-stopping ability, pass-rush ability, and he plays really hard. Big fella can run. He fits in perfectly with our group.”

As Turner enters Year 3 of his rookie contract, he’s trending toward a major extension—and a potential Pro Bowl nod if the production continues. More importantly, he’s the emotional and physical tone-setter for a defense trying to establish its identity without Donald.

In a sport that often favors flash over substance, Turner is proving that technique, toughness, and intelligence still go a long way.

When people ask how the Rams transitioned from a generational defensive talent like Aaron Donald, the answer is simple: They already had Kobie Turner.

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