NFL: NFC Divisional Round-Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

ESPN Undervalues And Disrespects Los Angeles Rams Pass Rush

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Nikko Buenavidez | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 9:07 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams have two of the best pass rushers in the NFL. And yet, ESPN’s model predicts Jared Verse at 7.4 sacks and Kobie Turner at 7.0 for 2025, tidy numbers on paper but ones that undersell what this Rams group has already demonstrated on the field.

Verse handled a heavy rookie workload and finished with 4.5 sacks while earning Defensive Player of the Year recognition in 2024. Turner closed with eight sacks, Braden Fiske led the team with 8.5, and Byron Young chipped in 7.5.

Those are not small sample flashes; they are production under real conditions after Aaron Donald left, and projecting the group as if they are unproven ignores both volume and context.

ESPN Model Disrespects Los Angeles Rams Pass Rush

ESPN Undervalues And Disrespects Los Angeles Rams Pass Rush 1 Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Models treat past seasons as isolated inputs, but they miss clear signals, like increased snap share, matchup wins on tape, and a late-season trend toward finishing plays that matters more than a single winter projection.

The tape from the playoffs backs that up. The unit recorded nine sacks against Minnesota and seven against Philadelphia, games where pressure came in waves and changed how opponents handled the Rams’ front.

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That kind of postseason heat is not random; it is situational growth, and it shows young rushers learning to win on tight windows.

The Rams also added Poona Ford up front, a veteran interior body who helps occupy blockers and widen rush lanes, which increases one-on-one opportunities for Verse and Turner.

With rotation help from Fiske and Young, and Ford anchoring inside, the group is set to improve as snaps pile up and coaching tweaks optimize usage.

In short, depth plus young growth equals upside, not a static projection. The rotation is deeper now, and depth reduces wear and tear across a 17-game season, plus playoffs.

Bottom line, ESPN’s projections give a baseline but not a ceiling. The young group has proven it can produce in real games, and the roster moves made this offseason only improve their odds of taking the next step.

If Verse continues to ascend and Turner keeps finishing, the Rams can build a disruptive pass rush without overpaying for one fix. That changes roster construction, game planning, and how Sean McVay manages close games in 2025.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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