Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald spoke highly of Kobie Turner and how the defensive tackle has grown since he retired.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald and defensive tackle Kobie Turner only crossed paths and played with one another for one season. Donald would hang up his cleats in 2023, and Turner remained on the team.
Now, with Donald back in the building, he has seen the major growth from Year 1 Turner to Year 4 of the defensive tackle's journey. When speaking to the media, the defensive end spoke highly of the young defender's growth.
Turner is a player that the Rams have leaned heavily on, and he picked up a career-high seven sacks in 2025. Thus far through two games, he has yet to secure a sack, but he remains one of the integral players on this Chris Shula defense.
Donald spoke about Turner's leadership, and stated that the tackle is reminding him of certain moves since he has been away from the game for two years.
"He's more of a leader, you know, he speak up a lot more of a veteran presence out there than when I was there," Donald said of Turner. "So you see the growth on that standpoint, man. And it's good to be out there, you know, cuz there's times where I might forget something. He reminds me. I'm like, 'Appreciate it.' You know, I'm down to I need that right now."
Despite Donald having spent 10 years in the NFL, he retired in 2023 and has not touched the football field since he announced his return. With him fully integrated back into the mix, he has leaned on Turner to remind him of certain aspects of the game.
The communication on the line and in the defense is what has impressed Donald, and it could lead to the unit being far more dangerous as time goes on.
Los Angeles stumbled greatly against the San Francisco 49ers, as the team was beaten on both sides of the ball. However, they bounced back in a big way in Week 2 against the New York Giants.
Donald also made mention of the tape and admitted that he played better than he thought he initially had.
The Giants had to double- and triple-team Donald to keep him away from the quarterback, but it was linebacker Byron Young who got in there and sacked Jaxson Dart, which led to an unfortunate injury for the New York passer.
Either way, the defense caused problems for Dart and backup quarterback Jameis Winston, leading to a sizable 28-6 victory.
Now, the Rams are set to take on the Denver Broncos, who also boast a very strong defense.
Los Angeles will need to rely on the leadership of Turner and the power of Donald to get after Bo Nix and attempt to cause some turnovers.
Conversely, the offensive line will need to protect quarterback Matthew Stafford as well, as the Broncos can cause some similar defensive issues.
