Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Steve Avila, and Puka Nacua have been chosen to the PFWA’s 2023 All-Rookie Team.
The Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) announced its 2023 All-Rookie team, which included four Rams.
The PFWA conducted voting and picked wide receiver Puka Nacua, offensive lineman Steve Avila, nose tackle Kobie Turner, and outside linebacker Byron Young for that team. Out of the 17 clubs on the list, the Rams were the ones with the most picks thanks to their representation; a total of 27 players were chosen to the squad.
Nacua adds this accolade to his previous one after breaking the NFL rookie records for catches (105) and receiving yards (1,486) in a single season, along with adding five touchdown receptions. He was named to his first Pro Bowl and a Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press. Although Nacua was seen by many as a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was declared the winner by the PFWA. For the 2023 campaign, Stroud was also named the PFWA’s overall Rookie of the Year.
In addition to being the only Rams player to play every snap at the conclusion of the regular season, Avila played the second-most snaps (1,148) of any rookie offensive lineman. Throughout the regular season, his consistency at left guard helped the Rams rank eighth in scoring, ninth in rushing, and tenth in throwing.
In contrast, Turner played in all 17 regular season games (four starts) and equaled defender Aaron Donald’s franchise rookie sack record with nine this past season—a mark that topped all rookies. Turner also had 57 total tackles (eight for loss), 16 QB hits, and two passes defensed. Although Turner was seen by many as a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year, Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was declared the winner by the PFWA.
Young started all but one of the regular season’s games and was just behind Turner with eight sacks, which was second-most among all rookies. Young also had 61 total tackles (eight for loss), 19 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
The four rookies are the Rams’ other two recipients of PFWA distinction for the 2023 campaign, with defensive lineman Aaron Donald and running back Kyren Williams, who were both chosen to the PFWA’s All-NFL and All-NFC teams on Monday.
