It was a bit of a surprise during the 2024 NFL Draft that star edge rusher Jared Verse was still on the board in the late teens when the Los Angeles Rams picked him up. Verse had proven to be one of the more physically gifted and violent edge defenders in a class that was lacking top end talent at that position. Now with the regular season entering it’s final weeks, it’s clear Verse was an absolute steal at where he was drafted.
Jared Verse BLEW UP Jordan Mailata.
Have talked about his strength and power all season. This is impressive stuff. He’ll figure the rest out, but it takes a special player to do something like this. pic.twitter.com/r48sSPXrmj
— Blaine Grisak 💠(@bgrisakTST) November 27, 2024
While the numbers don’t necessarily jump off the page for Verse with only 4.5 sacks on the season, his constant pressure in both run defense and pass rush has made the Rams’ defense take a huge leap from the season prior. Verse rates as the top rookie lineman with 45 pressures and has been one of the most effective lineman in the league with a 20.5% pressure rate according to PFF.
Verse and his college teammate, whom the Rams also drafted in second-rounder Braden Fiske, have brought new life to a Rams team that was seriously lacking in defensive talent after the departure of Aaron Donald. Verse is one of the clear front runners in the ‘Defensive Rookie of the Year’ chase and should he continue to play at this high of the level, could help punch a ticket to the playoffs thanks in part to his efforts.