The Athletic recently published a re-evaluation of the 2023 NFL Draft by Nick Baumgardner. Despite not having a first-round pick in the actual 2023 draft, the Los Angeles Rams saw three of their players from that year’s class selected on day one in the re-draft: Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young. These promising young players are poised to become foundational pieces for the Rams’ roster going forward and played pivotal roles in the team’s rapid rebuild and return to the playoffs.
Let’s delve into which teams The Athletic projected Nacua, Turner, and Young to in their re-draft:
1. **Chicago Bears:** Puka Nacua, WR, BYU
– Original pick: Jalen Carter (by Philadelphia after trade)
– Nacua’s exceptional connection with Matthew Stafford, resulting in a rookie-record 114 catches for 1,667 yards, exceeded expectations. His performance elevated him to top 10 consideration in the re-draft, a significant leap from his fifth-round selection in the actual draft.
2. **Pittsburgh Steelers:** Kobie Turner, DT, Wake Forest
– Original pick: Christian Gonzalez (by New England after trade)
– Turner showcased elite agility and performance, tying for the most pressures among rookies and leading rookie DTs in sacks. Despite falling short in the Rookie of the Year race, Turner’s impact alongside Aaron Donald was undeniable.
3. **Philadelphia Eagles:** Byron Young, Edge, Tennessee
– Original pick: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
– Young displayed impressive pass-rushing skills for the Rams, accumulating 51 pressures and eight sacks. Like Turner, he faces the challenge of proving himself without Donald’s presence on the defensive line.
In addition to these selections, Steve Avila, an offensive lineman drafted early in the second round by the Rams, received an honorable mention as another potential first-round talent. Young and Turner, both drafted by the Rams in the 2023 draft, showcased their pass-rushing abilities early in the season, but continued development will be crucial for their sustained success.