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Rams knew all along Aaron Donald was retiring, but can scheme or draft compensate?

Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times on

Published in Football

The same goes for players, McVay said.

Second-year pro Kobie Turner, for example, could at times move from nose tackle to Donald's spot.

"Kobie Turner doesn't need to be Aaron Donald," McVay said. "Kobie Turner needs to be himself."

Turner and edge rusher Byron Young, third-round draft picks in 2023, performed well in their first seasons. Nose tackle Bobby Brown III is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Rams re-signed rotational lineman Larrell Murchison, and Tuesday outside linebacker Michael Hoecht signed a restricted-free agent tender for about $3 million.

The Rams, however, desperately need to improve a pass rush that last season recorded 41 sacks, tied for 24th in the NFL.

The Rams have the No. 19 pick in the draft, and 11 total picks.

 

Byron Murphy of Texas, Jer'Zahn Newton of Illinois, Braden Fiske of Florida State, Ruke Orhorhoro of Clemson and Kris Jenkins of Michigan are the top five interior-line prospects, according to ProFootballFocus.com.

Dallas Turner of Alabama, Jared Verse of Florida State, Laiatu Latu of UCLA, Chris Braswell of Alabama and Chop Robinson of Penn State are the top edge defenders, according to the website.

The Rams' quarterback situation appears set — at least for now.

Matthew Stafford is the starter. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo last week signed a one-year contract to be the backup. Stetson Bennett, who spent his rookie season on the nonfootball injury/illness list because of an undisclosed issue, is scheduled to participate in offseason team workouts.

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