Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner Help Rams Lead NFL in PFWA All-Rookie Selections
The Los Angeles Rams' rookie class added another honor to its rapidly growing trophy case Tuesday.
A quartet of Rams rookies - receiver Puka Nacua, offensive lineman Steve Aliva, defensive tackle Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young - were selected to the Pro Football Writers Association's NFL All-Rookie team.
With four selections, the Rams have the league's most honorees and set a franchise record for PFWA All-Rookie nods. It's the second time this week these four players were voted amongst the NFL's top rookies.
A pair of Houston Texans rookies - quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. - were named PFWA Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua carries the ball against the New Orleans Saints.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The 22-year-old Nacua, a fifth-round draft pick, set single-season NFL rookie records with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and is a finalist for the NFL's Pepsi Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Avila was Los Angeles' highest-drafted player at No. 37 overall and started all 17 games at left guard, playing every single offensive snap. He allowed only two sacks and seven quarterback hits while being flagged for just two penalties, per Pro Football Focus.
Turner, selected No. 89 overall, led Los Angeles and all rookies across the league with nine sacks, which tied defensive tackle Aaron Donald for the Rams' rookie record.
He added eight tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits while emerging as a productive interior force next to Donald.
Young, who was taken 12 picks before Turner, wasn't far behind his counterpart in production, logging eight sacks, eight tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits.
The Rams' season came to a close in the wildcard round, falling 24-23 on Jan. 14, but coach Sean McVay believes they have a strong core returning next season - and the continued accolades support his case.
"This is a special group of young players on this team," McVay said.
