The Los Angeles Rams made quick work of their rebuild in 2023 with the help of an impressive 14-member draft class and behind the star performances of QB Matthew Stafford and DE Aaron Donald. They seemed like a team primed for contention in 2024 and beyond, but that was maybe derailed over the weekend when Donald announced his retirement.
Donald’s sudden absence leaves a massive void in the middle of the Los Angeles defense that has several promising young players but overall lacks star talent. It’s unfair to expect former third round picks Byron Young and Kobie Turner to step into the shoes of a first-ballot hall of famer and one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NFL.