Rams News: Will Anderson Jr. of the Texans defeats Kobie Turner to win defensive rookie of the year.

Will Anderson Jr., a rookie defensive end for the Houston Texans, defeated Kobie Turner, a rookie defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, to win the title of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Along with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles were the other nominees for the award, which also featured Anderson and Turner.

With 59 pressures, 45 tackles—10 of which were for loss—22 quarterback hits, and seven sacks in the 2023 NFL season, Anderson is a worthy winner. Since Brian Cushing in 2009, he is the first player from the Texans to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Houston enjoyed a joyous evening as C.J. Stroud was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Turner has the hardest road ahead of all the players nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year because he was the least drafted player in the group. Turner, selected with the 89th overall pick, became an instant starter in the Rams’ rotation. Turner eventually placed third in the poll, according to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press:

While Anderson got more opportunities to rush off the edge, Turner did all his work in the interior and he wound up leading all rookies in sacks with nine. Turner racked up 57 total tackles including 29 solo, as well as eight tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.

Los Angeles’ defense was supposed to take a big step back after the team decided to part ways with most of their key veterans, but players like Byron Young and Turner helped them rebuild nearly on the fly. While there were several learning moments to begin the season, the rookies and young players got better as the season progressed and Los Angeles could very well have several pieces to build around going forward.

Turner may have been docked some votes because he played next to Aaron Donald, but it shouldn’t diminish what he was able to accomplish in his first year with the Rams. With his rookie season behind him, Turner can prove his worth with another strong year in 2024.

The PFWA All-Rookie Team includes four rookies from the Rams.
Turner was chosen to the PFWA All-Rookie Team despite not winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. Turner’s colleagues Puka Nacua, Steve Avila, and Young joined him, making Los Angeles well-represented.

Stroud defeated Nacua in the competition for Offensive Rookie of the Year. All things considered, though, Los Angeles got lucky with Turner, Nacua, Avila, and Young in the 2023 NFL Draft.