Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, offensive guard Steve Avila, defensive tackle Kobie Turner and linebacker Byron Young were among a league-leading four Rams players selected to the Pro Football Writers of America’s (PFWA) All-Rookie Team for the 2023 season.
The Rams received plenty of major contributions from rookies during the 2023 season. They were a massive part of how L.A. was able to hugely exceed expectations to not only go above .500, but make the postseason and nearly defeat the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round.
The most notable rookie contributions from the Rams came from Nacua, the standout wide receiver who was selected in the fifth round. The BYU product was well-liked by the Rams front office, but nobody could have predicted that he would turn in one of the all-time great rookie wide receiver seasons. His 1,486 receiving yards and 105 receptions are the most in NFL history by a rookie.
Avila, meanwhile, was the only Rams player to play every single snap this season. He was the key piece in helping to bring balance to an offensive line that struggled mightily in 2022. This season, thanks in large part to Avila, they were one of the best units in the sport and helped lift L.A.’s offense to among the 10 best in the league.
Turner set his own records on defense by tying teammate Aaron Donald with the most sacks by a rookie defensive tackle in over a decade (9). He led all rookies in sacks as well. Finally, Young recorded eight sacks — the second-most among all rookies — while also posting 61 tackles (eight for loss), 19 QB hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
With this level of production from the rookie class, it’s no surprise that the Rams had the most representation of PFWA’s All-Rookie Team. The Detroit Lions had three selections.
Full PFWA All-Rookie Team
Offense
QB: C.J. Stroud, Texans
RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions; Bijan Robinson, Falcons
WR: Jordan Addison, Vikings; Puka Nacua, Rams
TE: Sam LaPorta, Lions
C: Joe Tippmann, Jets
G: Steve Avila, Rams; O’Cyrus Torrence, Bills
T: Dawand Jones, Browns; Darnell Wright, Bears
Defense
DL: Will Anderson, Texans; Jalen Carter, Eagles, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chargers; Kobie Turner, Rams
LB: Jack Campbell, Lions; Ivan Pace Jr., Vikings; Byron Young, Rams
CB: Joey Porter Jr., Steelers; Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks
S: Jordan Battle, Bengals; Ji’Ayir Brown, 49ers
Special Teams
PK: Jake Moody, 49ers
P: Bryce Baringer, Patriots
KR: Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos
PR: Derius Davis, Chargers
ST: Jerrick Reed II, Seahawks
