Why Rams' Kobie Turner Feels Empowered

• “It feels really empowering,” Turner said. “Then also it's a big responsibility. But what I've felt all this camp and really as it's built up into this camp and as the season last year progressed is that it's not just me who's leading. Everybody has their own individual ways.

• “We’re all one unit together. But it definitely means a lot for me to be the head of the snake. That's a big responsibility. So, I got to stay on my Ps and Qs, and I'm excited about that. That keeps me going to be able to lead this group. I can't be slacking, I can't not be making plays, I can't not be producing because this group is too talented. We have way too much fire.”

Head coach Sean McVay, who attempted to lure Donald out of retirement last October, realizes he’s sitting on a goldmine with his young defensive front. He said Monday that the Rams’ defensive line is the real deal and can certainly serve as a catalyst to spur the entire team.

“As a front, we talk about how important it is for those guys to be able to set the tone for the second and third levels,” McVay said, referring to the linebackers and defensive backs. “It’s about all 11 playing as one, but I've been really pleased with the growth and improvement of those guys. Kobie Turner going into his third year has really just done a great job of naturally leading and I think you can expect to see the same thing from Byron Young.”

New nose tackle moved only 30 miles

Poona Ford at the end of the season might be the critical piece the Rams were missing. An unrestricted free-agent nose tackle who signed a three-year, $27.6 million deal to leave the Chargers in March, he moved only 30 miles up the 405 freeway from El Segundo to Woodland Hills.

Moving guards and centers across the line of scrimmage is where he’ll earn his money for that catalyst defensive front, and he has bonded well with second-year nose tackle Tyler Davis.

“He's been awesome,” defensive coordinator Chris Shula said Friday. “He's been what we hoped and more. We really like him. Really like him in the D-line room. He's quiet outside the room, but in there you can tell they got a great rapport, especially with Kobie, Fiske, T.D., those guys. He's been really impressive so far, so excited to see him in pads here.”

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