The Los Angeles Rams’ rookies step up to dig the team out of an early season hole.
Rams Rookie Report Cards: Week 4
The Rams are a model American sports franchise, consistently contending even when outside noise clamors for a rebuild. Los Angeles has avoided the tank by getting production from their rookies, despite general manager Les Snead’s infamous quote. 2023 provided the best example, with fifth-round receiver Puka Nacua breaking rookie records for catches and receiving yards. Defensively, linebacker Byron Young and defensive tackle Kobie Turner established themselves as potential successors to Aaron Donald’s throne. In 2024, the streak continues, with multiple rookies coming out of the gate with strong performances despite the team’s 1-2 record.
This week, we review six 2024 draft picks and their performances in preparation for Week 4.
Jared Verse: A
Florida State linebacker Jared Verse entered the draft as one of the best defensive prospects and left as a crucial piece to the Rams front seven. A starter right off the bat, Verse has shown off his speed and power to break through offensive lines. His only knock is that his numbers don’t pop out from any stat sheet. He has yet to record a sack or force a fumble through three games, but his time will come. Verse ranks second in pressures among all rookie defenders and ranks 15th in the entire league in QB hurries with nine. The linebacker is consistently finding ways to beat opposing linemen and blow plays up and is starting to earn recognition.
Media and odds-makers agree as Verse enters Week 4 the betting favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Going up against the Bears, expect the former Seminole to tear up an offensive line that has already allowed 13 sacks. If there’s one place where Verse can record his first NFL sack, it’s Soldier Field.
Braden Fiske: A
Verse’s teammate at FSU, defensive lineman Braden Fiske has also impressed so far. While the Rams’ first-rounder ranked second in pressures, Fiske leads all rookies in the category with 12. Furthermore, Fiske has shown his awareness and athleticism in high-pressure situations, leading the league with two fumble recoveries. That milestone makes him the first Rams rookie to record a fumble recovery in two consecutive games.
Like his college and now NFL teammate, Fiske can make big plays, as seen in Week 3. Against the 49ers with the game on the line in the fourth quarter, Fiske hit a nasty spin move on 3rd and 10 to keep his momentum and bring quarterback Brock Purdy down. His play forced San Francisco to punt, paving the way for wide receiver Xavier Smith’s 38-yard punt return and the game-sealing field goal.
Fiske will also have the opportunity to disrupt the Bears offense and record his first sack on Sunday.
Kamren Kinchens: B
Moving on from the Florida State duo at the front of the defense, Miami safety Kamren Kinchens is also starting to make his mark. Forced into a larger role following a scapula fracture to safety John Johnson III, Kinchens played 41% of snaps against the 49ers.
Kinchens’s red flag came when he blew a coverage in the third quarter, allowing wide receiver Jauan Jennings to speed past him for a 31-yard score.
Despite allowing the touchdown, Kinchens still played well with the snaps he was given. The former Hurricane made six total tackles, although his true shining moment came on special teams. In his sole special teams snap, a punt return late in the fourth quarter. Kinchens laid down crucial blocks to give Xavier Smith the running lane for the return that set up the go-ahead field goal.
With Bears quarterback Caleb Williams already throwing four picks in three games, Kinchens can use the pressure created by Verse and Fiske up front to make some plays on the ball.
Tyler Davis: B
Another defensive depth piece added in April, defensive tackle Tyler Davis had a solid game in the Rams’ home opener. The former Clemson Tiger recorded an impressive play where he powered through the 49ers line to tackle running back Jordan Mason for a three-yard loss. Unfortunately, LA was unable to stop SF from scoring, but Davis’ athletic display was a positive sign. Davis played 30% of defensive snaps and may see more volume going forward.
Joshua Karty: A+
What more could you want from a kicker besides hitting 100% of his field goals and extra points? Rookie kicker Joshua Karty has done exactly that. Coming from northern California and Stanford University, the sixth-round selection has hit a perfect five for five field goals and six for six after touchdowns. On Sunday, he also showed his ability to perform under pressure, icing a 37-yard field goal in the final seconds against a division rival.
After having the 30th-ranked field goal percentage in the league last season, the Rams finally have a kicker they can count on.
Jordan Whittington: B
Whittington had a fairly quiet Sunday and has yet to have the breakout that awaits him this season. With injuries to wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, some thought Whittington would become a major player in an offense that, so far, has looked to running back Kyren Williams to carry the load.
The former Texas Longhorn recorded three catches on three targets for 28 yards. The former Texas Longhorn was the motion man for his first two grabs, a flat route, and wide receiver screen, respectively. For his third and final catch, Whittington caught a deep slant that he took for 15 yards. He had a solid day at the office, his use in the motion being a positive sign for the trust head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur have in him. Despite the low number of targets, the rookie still showed his ability to gain extra yards after the catch and play through contact.
The Verdict
Overall, all six of these rookies had good showings last week, which generate positive outlooks for Week 4 in Chicago. Keep an eye out for Verse, Fiske, and Davis to bully the Bears offensive line and maybe get some shots in on Caleb Williams. Kinchens and Whittington may have their hands full against a stacked wide receiver corps and secondary, respectively, but pressure creates diamonds and the Rams have some diamonds in the rough.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA Today Sports
