Reggie Bush praises the play of former USC quarterback Caleb Williams
Reggie Bush has only positive things to say about the first pick of the NFL Draft and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Sport in Seriousness
For the first time as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, Sean McVay is preparing to play an entire season without star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a hole in the Rams’ defense that the team has come to terms with just days before its season opener against the Detroit Lions.
“I want them to play the way they can, the way they did in the offseason and training camp. I want them to be able to play at their own pace. Enjoy it,” McVay told reporters this week. “I really love this group that we’re with. We’ve said it time and time again, and you know that. You’re never going to replace an Aaron Donald, and that’s not what we ask of our guys.”
Despite Donald’s retirement in March, the Rams’ sack leader is still present and influential with the franchise. McVay tells players stories about Donald and the future Hall of Famer visited the club before Week 1.
“We were so lucky and happy to have such a special player in Aaron Donald. What I thought was cool was that he was a great role model for the guys who saw him play,” McVay said. “I can always use him for stories. He was here last week.”
While McVay admitted he misses the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year who helped the franchise win Super Bowl 56, he is glad Donald is enjoying his life as a retired athlete.
“It’s very special that he’s earned the right to be so content, complete and fulfilled, to use his words. He coaches his son’s soccer team and loves it. His 3-year-old son, Aaric, had a great birthday at their house the other day,” McVay said. “I’m really happy for Aaron. I miss him, but I’m happy for the opportunity for these guys to do their thing and put their names on this.”
The Rams selected pass rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske with their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to help offset the loss of Donald on offense. The two rookies are expected to start in the Rams’ 3-4 base defense. The team also hopes that returning defensive tackles Kobie Turner, who tied for the most on the team with nine sacks in 2023, and Bobby Brown will make a big impact.
“I want Kobie Turner to be Kobie Turner. I want Bobby Brown to be Bobby Brown. I want Braden Fiske to be Braden Fiske,” McVay said. “That’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
On offense, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is healthy after missing five games last season.
“I think he’s done a fantastic job of getting his body back to where he wants it to be, as far as his comfort level, his going out there, running and everything that it takes to be Cooper Kupp,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “I’m just happy for him (and) how he’s feeling.”
Kupp is healthy and that should be a huge advantage for the Rams. But as McVay said, they will certainly miss No. 99 in 2024 and beyond.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
