The Los Angeles Rams have acquired lots of reward over the previous couple of years for drafting Puka Nacua within the fifth spherical of the 2023 draft, however within the shadow of the perfect day three choose of the previous decade is the truth that L.A. additionally did nice on day two. That yr, Rams normal supervisor Les Snead additionally discovered Steve Avila, Kobie Turner, and Byron Younger, all and not using a first spherical choose.
2023 grade: B
The thin: That they had 14 picks within the draft and 5 of them are starters with the perfect of them being fifth-round receiver Puka Nacua. He has confirmed to be a star and a steal. In addition they acquired starters in guard Steve Avila (second), defensive linemen Byron Younger and Kobie Turner within the third and proper deal with Warren McClendon within the fifth. Backup tight finish Davis Allen additionally got here within the fifth. Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett got here within the fourth.
How I did: I believed Avila was their finest choose and Bennett was their worst. I went on to say how a lot I appreciated their draft, mentioning Younger as a participant I appreciated. I believed it was the kind of draft to assist overhaul the roster, which it did. I didn’t point out Nacua, which suggests I missed on him like the remainder of the league.
New grade: A+
Nacua has damaged information and practically received Offensive Participant of the Yr in 2025, setting himself as much as be a frontrunner once more in 2026 and years to come back if he can keep obtainable for video games. He’s had some points with accidents and off-field issues.
Younger broke out for 12.5 sacks in 2025, one other participant seeking to money in on an extension earlier than subsequent summer time and a 2027 free agent. Avila and Turner may even grow to be free brokers until Snead involves an settlement on new offers for each of them, and they need to be pricey given their dependability as starters on a championship-caliber roster.
Outdoors of those 4 gamers, the Rams additionally discovered beginning proper deal with Warren McClendon and tight finish Davis Allen within the fifth, earlier than they took Puka, punter Ethan Evans within the sixth, and Desjuan Johnson as “Mr. Irrelevant”, one among L.A.’s finest reserve defensive linemen.
Prisco really solely mentions Stetson Bennett as a result of he’s a quarterback and no different purpose, however he’s not even near being among the best eight gamers drafted by Snead in 2023.
It’s a strong yr if a crew drafts two good starters, and phenomenal in the event that they get 4, however the Rams are wanting again on the 2023 class three seasons later and might take consolation in the truth that it is without doubt one of the finest draft jobs accomplished by the crew in franchise historical past.
Who’s the non-Puka STEAL of 2023?
Which of those 2023 draft picks is the largest steal for the Rams, moreover the plain Puka Nacua?
Closes in 3 days • 13 whole votesView outcomes
Kobie TurnerByron YoungSteve AvilaWarren McClendonDesjuan Johnson (final choose!)Davis AllenRec 1CommentsThin Stroke Remark Icon BubbleReplyRead 1 replies
