Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse
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April 26, 2024 at 11:22 am #150365InvaderRamModerator
well cosell states he’s a pure 4-3 end which to me sounds like the defense is gonna have to change. or am i missing something?
April 26, 2024 at 11:33 am #150367znModeratorBlaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
FSU had the 18th best defense in the nation last year and Verse was a big part of that. 62 pressures ranked 5th. Had 12.5 sacks..Pat McAfee@PatMcAfeeShow“Jared Verse is powerful and explosive.. There’s so much to like about this guy” Bill Belichick #PMSDraftSpectacular.SeattleRams@seattlerams_nflOne last nugget… Jared Verse’s head coach at Albany was Greg Gattuso, who was Aaron Donald’s DL coach at PIT his freshman year.April 26, 2024 at 11:38 am #150368znModeratorwell cosell states he’s a pure 4-3 end which to me sounds like the defense is gonna have to change. or am i missing something?
Just an IMO, but…I think an end/LB conversion is not that big an issue. From the sounds of it he can be coached into an adjustment. Cosell mentions false steps when he’s standing up. That can be coached out. Plus one of the things the Rams like about him is versatility. He can line up at DE, DT, and LB. That seems to be a Rams thing on D–shifting fronts and disguising coverages. An edge/LB who can line up as a pure 4/3 DE whenever they want to do that? It’s a good thing.
April 26, 2024 at 11:42 am #150369znModeratorHow Los Angeles Rams’ busy first round led to Jared Verse, their definition of ‘defense’
Jourdan Rodrigue
https://theathletic.com/5447864/2024/04/26/jared-verse-los-angeles-rams-nfl-draft-pick/
HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. — As pick after pick came off the board, Los Angeles Rams outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio, initially sitting on a low couch in front of the television broadcast in the lower level of the team’s draft house, got up and began to pace.
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft featured a unique opening run on offensive players. That left top pass rushers Jared Verse and Dallas Turner on the board as the Rams’ pick inched closer.
Suddenly, Minnesota traded up to No. 17. Coniglio speed-walked up two levels of stairs and into the war room where coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead and others held operations. The Vikings selected Turner, and the Rams — after an anxious few moments as the Cincinnati Bengals picked at No. 18 — sent their pick in for Verse at No. 19. Coniglio and defensive coordinator Chris Shula walked back downstairs, shouting, fist-pumping and back-slapping other coaches.
Verse’s energy matched theirs.
“This is a dream come true, a dream come true, woo!” Verse said, speaking with reporters shortly after the pick. “It’s time to work. It’s time to show them they ain’t make a mistake, it’s time to show them what we do. I’m excited (to) get to work. … I’m ready for it.”
Verse, who excelled with back-to-back nine-sack seasons in 2022 and 2023 at Florida State, is the Rams’ first opening-round draft pick since they selected Jared Goff in 2016.
To the Rams, Verse — their highest defensive draft pick since retired star Aaron Donald was selected at No. 13 in 2014 — filled the combination of best player available and biggest need. He is expected to start immediately opposite second-year pass rusher Byron Young and with second-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner on the interior. Turner already reached out to Verse.
“Kobie was the first one, real quick. He texted me to let him know if I needed anything,” he said. “He reached out to me, ‘Don’t hesitate.’ And I’m going to take him up on that offer. He’s gonna regret saying that to me.”
Verse met privately with the Rams this week (he did not have any formal meetings or workouts with the team, which Snead said was intentional to keep their interest under the radar). Team sources said he was one of their top overall prospects. On Thursday, the Rams called multiple teams to gather intel on what the prices would be to trade up or down, including a conversation with a team in the top 10 that could have led to selecting an offensive player.
Team and league sources believed those costs to be too high, especially with multiple other teams trying to trade into that group and therefore driving up the cost. The Rams did not get on the phones as the last few picks of the top 10 unfolded, a source said.
“Offense definitely pushed defense our way,” Snead said. “We always felt like Jared had a chance to get there, but there was definitely a chance for him to go right before us depending on how that whole thing shook out. I think that heavy offensive, six QBs going, helped Jared get to us.”
As the board fell in rare fashion — 14 offensive players were selected before a single defensive player, including six quarterbacks — the Rams prepared to possibly trade back from No. 19. Having two of the top pass rushers clustered so closely motivated them to stay put, and they were rewarded with Verse.
Verse immediately will lend size, power and high-end energy to a pass rush that was woefully incomplete last season. One scout compared Verse’s attacking, ceaseless play style to former Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, although Verse has more bulk around his frame, and the scout believed Verse’s power will complement Young’s speed.
Verse initially will play edge/outside linebacker, but McVay noted Verse eventually could play over a guard.
“You can tell he cares about football, he has fun playing football, and oh, by the way, he’s pretty disruptive and violent,” Snead said. “You think ‘defense,’ the way he plays is next to the word in the dictionary.”
Verse will arrive in Los Angeles in the coming days and said he’s ready to hit the field right away.
“What I’m going to give (to the Rams) is a dawg,” Verse said. “I come in with a lot of physical strength, I come in with a chip on my shoulder, and that chip is going to continue today. … I’m hungry. I need this. This is my lifestyle, how I do everything. It’s how I execute. The thing I’m going to be able to give them is that work.”
April 26, 2024 at 11:55 am #150370ZooeyModeratorI don’t know how Verse compares with the other guys – Turner, Robinson, Latu – but I’m not surprised to see this:
“You can tell he cares about football.”
I think Donald left behind that perspective as a parting gift to the organization. I don’t expect McSnead to ever draft a potato farmer.
April 26, 2024 at 12:50 pm #150372InvaderRamModeratorJust an IMO, but…I think an end/LB conversion is not that big an issue. From the sounds of it he can be coached into an adjustment. Cosell mentions false steps when he’s standing up. That can be coached out.
i am by no means an expert. and i will continue to have an open mind.
but i’m worried. i watch his combine drills (and yeah it’s the combine not an actual football game). and he looks so stiff. like no flexibility. not very athletic. especially compared to how latu looks in the drills and so i wonder how easy the conversion will be for him. it just intuitively makes sense to me that to be effective at linebacker you need to have more of that bendiness which verse lacks and which is why some reports say he is strictly a de.
but if they move him around to different positions maybe it doesn’t matter as much?
April 26, 2024 at 1:11 pm #150373InvaderRamModeratorI don’t know how Verse compares with the other guys – Turner, Robinson, Latu – but I’m not surprised to see this: “You can tell he cares about football.” I think Donald left behind that perspective as a parting gift to the organization. I don’t expect McSnead to ever draft a potato farmer.
i am going to keep an open mind. and i certainly don’t expect him to solve all the rams defensive problems.
i will say he has an unreal motor. just relentless on the short clips i’ve seen of him. always going. and he looks strong. stronger than latu or robinson. just pushes olinemen back on their heels.
April 26, 2024 at 2:15 pm #150376wvParticipanti am by no means an expert. and i will continue to have an open mind. but i’m worried. i watch his combine drills (and yeah it’s the combine not an actual football game). and he looks so stiff. like no flexibility. not very athletic.
Wasnt one of the early criticisms of Clowney that he was stiff, etc? I forget.
Anyway, I think its perfectly reasonable to have doubts about this pick. Its a wait-and-see pick.
I will say though that if I’m not mistaken the combine does not measure ‘power’. It measures agility and speed, etc. I’m not sure its quite accurate to say Verse is not very athletic. Power and relentlessness seem to be important athletic traits to me.
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April 26, 2024 at 2:34 pm #150377InvaderRamModeratorI will say though that if I’m not mistaken the combine does not measure ‘power’. It measures agility and speed, etc. I’m not sure its quite accurate to say Verse is not very athletic. Power and relentlessness seem to be important athletic traits to me.
you’re right. it’s not exactly accurate. more accurate maybe to say not fluid or bendy but certainly explosive and very strong. and those are certainly athletic traits.
i guess i wonder how that translates to playing outside linebacker and playing in space.
but zn points out that he’ll playing various positions. as a de. even dt. i’m sure the rams have a plan. and again at 19 you’re not gonna necessarily draft a complete player otherwise he’d be likely going much higher.
April 26, 2024 at 2:42 pm #150378ZooeyModeratorI will say though that if I’m not mistaken the combine does not measure ‘power’. It measures agility and speed, etc. I’m not sure its quite accurate to say Verse is not very athletic. Power and relentlessness seem to be important athletic traits to me.
Well, you wouldn’t confuse Kevin Greene for Von Miller based on his agility, but dude made some QBs’ nightmares. I don’t know if that’s a fair comparison or not (Greene), but I’d spend a #19 on Kevin Greene. But just remember it was zn who staked his reputation on that comparison. Said he was Kevin Greene but with more speed and power, I believe.
April 26, 2024 at 4:20 pm #150380wvParticipantBut just remember it was zn who staked his reputation on that comparison. Said he was Kevin Greene but with more speed and power, I believe.
Well, zn’s exact and complete quote was, “Verse is a combination of Kevin Greene, Chuck Norris and Anton Chigurh.”
Course, you know zn. He said the same thing about Trung Candidate.
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April 26, 2024 at 5:30 pm #150381znModeratorThe “bendy” bit has to do with attacking a blocker as a pass rusher. Robert Quinn had that; Kevin Greene didn’t.
A different issue is whether he is effective in space as an LB, handling the whole array of LB duties in space. I don’t know. I can only say Kevin Greene wasn’t known for that. Though I have seen Verse compared to Fowler. How good was Fowler as a traditional LB in space?
But let’s say all the Rams end up getting in Verse is a role player who comes in to play DE (or DT) on obvious passing downs. Well–truth is, they didn’t even have that. And from all reports he would be superlative in that role. He’s not just power and speed either. He does have some decent technique and an absolutely relentless motor.
But you know in terms of weaknesses…Verse actually has a bit more going for him athletically than TJ Watt does. Here’s a report from 2017 of Watt’s shortcomings. The red bits are things also said about Verse, more or less. The blue bits are areas where Verse is actually better athletically (on paper anyway):
Not overly twitched-up as an athlete. Short strider who lacks explosion out of stance and up the field to bend the edge as a pass rusher. Foot quickness is average and needs to win with technique and great hand play. Won’t generate enough acceleration to crank up speed-to-power rush with consistency. Plays with a narrow base. Needs to play with more consistent bend to play through redirection by offensive line.I said Verse wasn’t the classic bendy pass rusher type you get with Miller or Mack or Parsons (or Quinn). But then neither is Watt. Watt btw was taken at the bottom of the first round..Watt averages 13-14 sacks a season and had 22.5 in 2021. So like Greene, Watt is another successful version of the phyical/athletic type we have in Verse. And as I pointed out, in some ways Verse is more athletically gifted than Watt (and they both have a relentless motor).…April 26, 2024 at 6:06 pm #150383InvaderRamModeratorA different issue is whether he is effective in space as an LB, handling the whole array of LB duties in space. I don’t know. I can only say Kevin Greene wasn’t known for that. Though I have seen Verse compared to Fowler. How good was Fowler as a traditional LB in space?
that’s a good distinction and i should have been more clear.
there was three figure eight drill where the guy has to run around in a figure eight and pick up bean bags and place them in another position all while continuing to run at full speed. he struggled to maintain balance and had to use his hands to keep from falling. he did it twice and could not do it. maybe it’s just a matter of reps? i don’t know but that drill tests a players flexibility and “bend”.
the other drill involved lateral movement and again he looked stiff. he also looked stiff moving forward and backwards. that’s what makes me wonder if he can switch to linebacker. although could he be any worse than hoecht was when they moved him to lb? fowler i don’t know. i’m sure verse can learn it to some extent but it definitely doesn’t come naturally.
April 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm #150385znModerator#19 Rams
Jared Verse brings it on every play. See him as a 7-9 sack per year guy but also sound in run game. Bunch of young guys in that front 7 as the post-Donald era begins— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 26, 2024
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April 26, 2024 at 6:46 pm #150386znModeratorChris Simms@CSimmsQB#19 Rams Jared Verse brings it on every play. See him as a 7-9 sack per year guy but also sound in run game. Bunch of young guys in that front 7 as the post-Donald era begins.Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticksFastest 40 by anyone at Combine with 33+ arm length and 30+ Bench reps (last 10 years) 1. Jared Verse (2024): 4.58 2. Myles Garrett (2017): 4.64.Blaine Grisak @bgrisakTSTSome parallels between draft last year and this year. Last year, Rams tried to trade up for Dalton Kincaid and “settled” for a safer pick in Steve Avila. Rams try to trade up for Bowers yesterday. “Settle” for safe pick in Jared Verse. We know how it worked with AvilaApril 26, 2024 at 7:05 pm #150387znModeratorJared Verse will be a great asset against the run game!
The Rams found themselves getting gashed at times last season, but Verse has a proven track record being stout and forcing his way to negate the run.
A 2 way player for sure pic.twitter.com/qlGadLvPt5
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) April 26, 2024
April 26, 2024 at 7:06 pm #150388znModeratorRAS comp between Jared Verse and former Rams EDGE Leonard Floyd.
Same exact 10-yard split. Same broad jump. Both not great in agility testing.
Pick makes a lot of sense. pic.twitter.com/E6dSlXPaPg
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) April 26, 2024
April 27, 2024 at 3:54 am #150480znModeratorJared Verse 2024 NFL Draft: Combine Results, Scouting Report For Los Angeles Rams Edge
By Greg CosellJARED VERSE 2024 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS
- Sudden and twitchy off the ball with excellent get-off and velocity generating speed-to-power with leverage.
- Generated power on pass rush off his second step, getting inside and driving through and lifting the offensive tackle, gaining ground.
- Tightly wound, with strength and power throughout his body. Strong core with short area explosion and power.
- Played a power game with the short area strength to jar offensive tackles off the ball and the power to drive them back.
- Fired off the ball with explosiveness and quick, active, dynamic hands. Twitchy feel to his overall movement.
- Showed pass rush plan off staple speed-to-power, with a quick cross-face inside counter and outside hand swipe.
- There were edge pass rush snaps where he showed more than functional ankle flexion to clear the arc and flatten his path.
- Showed a quick arm-over move to beat offensive tackles. Excellent short-area quickness with balance and body control.
- On pass rush snaps, he showed effective hand moves to win, then cleared the edge, flattened and closed with speed.
- Foundation of his game as a run defender and pass rusher is his strong, powerful hands and great functional strength.
- Made plays in pursuit outside the box with outstanding play speed and range. Competitive playing personality.
- In 2023, his first-step explosiveness as a pass rusher was high-level. There were no wasted steps, allowing him to attack the edge.
- Showed effective swipe moves as an edge pass rusher to remove the hands of offensive tackles and open the edge to gain leverage.
- Outstanding balance and body control as an edge rusher. Did not slow down or lose speed at the top of the pass rush arc.
- Flexibility at the top of the pass rush arc to turn off his inside foot and flatten his rush path with burst to the quarterback.
- Physical component to his game. Worked through contact effectively with a combination of strength and tenacity.
- Showed devastating speed-to-power with the contact strength and movement power to drive offensive tackles into the pocket.
- Strength and hand quickness to play off contact in the run game and make plays. Good short area quickness.
WEAKNESSES
- 2022 tape did not show a bendy, flexible athlete who could bend off contact and flatten his rush path to the QB.
- Needs to continue to develop a wider array of moves as an edge pass rusher. Cannot rely solely on speed-to-power.
- In 2023, he showed a tendency to take false steps when aligned in a two-point stance. More comfortable in a three-point stance.
- Tendency to drop his head and use the crown of his helmet to attack with speed-to-power. Could be a concern in the NFL.
- A little tight in his movement. More straight-line linear than naturally bendy and flexible. Can get stuck at times.
- Did not look comfortable dropping into underneath zone coverage, which likely limits his deployment in the NFL.
NFL TRANSITIONVerse is one of the best edge pass rush prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. He may be the most powerful of the top prospects. Verse’s game is built on strength and power through his body, with short stroke power in confined compact space. He has strong hands with the short area explosion to jar offensive tackles and the accelerating power to drive them back into the pocket, as seen on his sacks versus Florida and Louisville.
Verse was at his best with his hand in the ground in a three-point stance. When he got off the ball with no false steps or wasted motion, he showed both exceptional first step explosiveness to immediately challenge the high side of the offensive tackle at the top of the arc. He also showed devastating speed-to-power conversion to attack the center of the offensive tackle.
What stood out with Verse as a pass rusher is that he was purposeful, with a plan to attack and set up left tackles to get them out of phase and just off balance enough that he could then execute his speed-to-power rush. He did not need a runway to generate power. He was able to do so in a confined amount of space.
While Verse is not stiff, he is a little high-cut and does not possess elite bend and flexibility. At times, that resulted in getting stuck when the speed-to-power conversion was stopped by the offensive tackle. It also showed up at times when he looked to work the high side of the offensive tackle. He just didn’t have the hip and core flexibility to clear the arc.
Verse is a stronger and better version of Kayvon Thibodeaux in that both players’ games are built more on straight-line linear power and not flexibility and bend. This flattens their rush path to the quarterback, but Verse is much more physical and violent and a better overall prospect.
Verse would project and transition best to the next level as a defensive end in a 4-3 front where he could line up in a three-point stance. He has the pass rush traits to move inside to three-technique in sub fronts where he also showed the speed-to-power conversion versus guards and centers.
April 27, 2024 at 4:35 am #150481znModeratorVerse is a stronger and better version of Kayvon Thibodeaux in that both players’ games are built more on straight-line linear power and not flexibility and bend. This flattens their rush path to the quarterback, but Verse is much more physical and violent and a better overall prospect.
Thibodeaux was taken 5th in the 1st round by the Giants in 2022 and was the defensive rookie of the year. He had 4 sacks in 2022 and 11.5 in 2023. Cosell is projecting Verse as a better version of the same type of player.
April 28, 2024 at 10:25 pm #150623znModeratorNo. 19: Jared Verse, edge, Florida State
Dane Brugler’s analysis
When he channels his relentless energy, Verse is as disruptive as anyone in this class, because of his explosive get-off, power through his frame and NFL-quality hand use. His physical traits and competitive football temperament give him a high floor as an NFL starter (reminiscent of eight-year NFL veteran Dante Fowler).
April 29, 2024 at 3:31 am #150634znModeratorApril 30, 2024 at 11:26 pm #150694znModeratorfrom https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-draft-ranking-7-best-pass-rushers-in-this-years-class/
JARED VERSE, FLORIDA STATE
Jared Verse starts the list of the 6.7 and above grades that represent true three-down starting edge rushers. Originally starting in the FCS ranks at Albany, Verse made the jump to Florida State in 2022 and immediately stood out.
In 2023, he ranked third among edge prospects in SIS’s Pressure Rate Above Expectation stat, which adjusts pressure rate for game situations and the player’s alignment.
SIS scout Nathan Cooper gave Verse a 7 in pass rush, hand use, play strength and pass rush repertoire. He also wrote, “Verse is a top-tier pass rusher with heavy hands and a bag of tricks that makes it difficult for linemen to block him.”
from https://www.the33rdteam.com/2024-nfl-draft-ranking-top-11-edge-rushers-prospects/
Jared Verse Verse projects as a high-end starting edge rusher who fits best in an even front where he can rush with his hand in the ground, but there really isn’t a reason he can’t stand up on the edge as well. His pass rush ability is already at a very good level and with a little refinement and coaching at the next level, it can become elite.
On third downs, he’ll be most effective and do the most damage with his power and repertoire as a wide-9 on the edge. He could also reduce down inside to use his length on interior linemen. He can stand in here and there on special teams, but with stamina, motor and tackling concerns, it’s likely not something to waste reps on.
From https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Jared-Verse-DE-FloridaState
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
Verse brings a seasoned pass-rush plan to the table, executing a myriad of initial and counter moves with polished technique and shrewd decision-making.
The explosive first step is a cornerstone of his game, dictating pass-rush scenarios by imposing his will and disrupting offensive linemen’s rhythm off the snap.
Elite athletic skills — Made Bruce Feldman’s 2023 ‘Freaks List’ at number 26. He wrote: “another year at FSU has enabled him to continue to develop, both physically and in his on-field skill set. At 6-3 1/2, 260 pounds, Verse power-cleans 360 pounds, squats 555 and benches 455, but he also has excellent burst, running 21.14 MPH in a game with a max acceleration of 5.85m/s with a max deceleration of -6.98m/s.”
Exceptional bend and flexibility allow Verse to exploit the edge, dipping under offensive tackles and maintaining a tight, efficient path to the quarterback.
Natural athletic gifts are evident in his lateral agility, enabling effective redirection and counter moves that continue to confound protective schemes.
His functional strength shouldn’t be understated – Verse consistently delivers powerful punches and showcases the ability to hold his ground against heavier opponents.
The motor on Verse runs incessantly, reflecting a high-effort player who brings relentless energy and pursuit from snap to whistle on every down.
Hand usage is a notable strength, displaying rapid and potent strikes that effectively navigate through opposing linemen’s blocks to disrupt the backfield.
A hallmark of his game, the palpable explosiveness, permeates through his every move, asserting dominance in gap penetration and providing a perpetual disruptive presence.SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES
Verse, while maintaining exterior leverage, occasionally overshoots, enabling offensive schemes to exploit created lanes, undermining the run defense’s integrity and effectiveness.
Despite a robust and physical approach to run defense, there’s a discernible lack of control in his tackling, often resulting in missed opportunities in the backfield.
While the collegiate tackle-for-loss numbers are there, skepticism arises regarding the translatability of those statistics to the NFL, demanding further refinement in his approach.
Anticipation and mental processing in run scenarios require elevation; enhancing block recognition and reactionary quickness out of his stance remains a pivotal area for development.
Verse’s effective hand usage in pass-rush scenarios demands translation into run defense, ensuring that generated power and jolt are equivalently impactful across all play types.May 1, 2024 at 3:59 am #150703znModerator3 steps then the choppy steps then the shoulder club, LT didn't have a clue if Verse going inside or outside pic.twitter.com/FCLAuWP1MV
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) April 26, 2024
— Jim Youngblood 53 (@53_jim70721) April 26, 2024
May 1, 2024 at 9:07 pm #150711InvaderRamModeratori want verse to be better than leonard floyd.
not that floyd was bad. he was good. but i want verse to be better.
May 1, 2024 at 11:19 pm #150712znModeratorThe great Marshall Faulk on the Jared Verse selection.
-How he fits the Rams defensive scheme of what they ask of edge rushers
-Once he gets the speed and tempo of pro ball – Skys the limit
-Immediate impact starter/player regardlessWith @erincoscarelli pic.twitter.com/DfeChHRRgn
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) May 2, 2024
May 10, 2024 at 2:01 pm #150836znModeratorIn a recent piece done by a variety of experts and analysts over at ESPN, many made their picks for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rams fans will be happy to know that a good chunk of them selected Verse to bring home the hardware.
Who is your early pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Stephania Bell, fantasy football analyst: Jared Verse, DE, Los Angeles Rams. Verse comes ready-made to slot right into the Rams’ front seven. He is talented and powerful, and the Rams’ defense needed an edge rusher who could make an immediate impact. Verse recorded a team-leading 18 sacks and 83 pressures in the past two seasons at Florida State.
Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL reporter: Verse. Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner got most of the bump as top pass-rushers, but Verse is a unique player with serious power. In the post-Aaron Donald era, Verse could become the face of the Rams’ defense.
Eric Moody, fantasy and sports betting analyst: : Verse. He showcased his talent during his final collegiate season at Florida State, accumulating 41 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups. There was a gap to fill on the Rams’ defensive line, and Verse was drafted precisely for that purpose. Verse, who is known for his play strength and speed off the edge, is well positioned to step into this role.
Aaron Schatz, NFL writer: Verse. Four of the past five DPOY awards have gone to edge rushers, and Verse seems likely to get the most playing time of the top three edge rushers from this year’s draft.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Verse. The Rams needed serious front-seven reinforcements and used the 19th overall pick on the ready-made Verse, whose in-line power and 6-foot-4 length should lead to sack production right out of the gate. Verse is almost 24 years old and is a more refined prospect than many of the other players taken around him in the first round.
May 18, 2024 at 4:58 am #150963znModeratorFrom How Los Angeles Rams’ busy first round led to Jared Verse, their definition of ‘defense’
By Jourdan Rodrigue
Apr 26, 2024https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5447864/2024/04/26/jared-verse-los-angeles-rams-nfl-draft-pick/
HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. — As pick after pick came off the board, Los Angeles Rams outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio, initially sitting on a low couch in front of the television broadcast in the lower level of the team’s draft house, got up and began to pace.
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft featured a unique opening run on offensive players. That left top pass rushers Jared Verse and Dallas Turner on the board as the Rams’ pick inched closer.
Suddenly, Minnesota traded up to No. 17. Coniglio speed-walked up two levels of stairs and into the war room where coach Sean McVay, general manager Les Snead and others held operations. The Vikings selected Turner, and the Rams — after an anxious few moments as the Cincinnati Bengals picked at No. 18 — sent their pick in for Verse at No. 19. Coniglio and defensive coordinator Chris Shula walked back downstairs, shouting, fist-pumping and back-slapping other coaches.
Verse’s energy matched theirs.
“This is a dream come true, a dream come true, woo!” Verse said, speaking with reporters shortly after the pick. “It’s time to work. It’s time to show them they ain’t make a mistake, it’s time to show them what we do. I’m excited (to) get to work. … I’m ready for it.”
Verse, who excelled with back-to-back nine-sack seasons in 2022 and 2023 at Florida State, is the Rams’ first opening-round draft pick since they selected Jared Goff in 2016.
To the Rams, Verse — their highest defensive draft pick since retired star Aaron Donald was selected at No. 13 in 2014 — filled the combination of best player available and biggest need. He is expected to start immediately opposite second-year pass rusher Byron Young and with second-year defensive lineman Kobie Turner on the interior. Turner already reached out to Verse.
“Kobie was the first one, real quick. He texted me to let him know if I needed anything,” he said. “He reached out to me, ‘Don’t hesitate.’ And I’m going to take him up on that offer. He’s gonna regret saying that to me.”
Verse met privately with the Rams this week (he did not have any formal meetings or workouts with the team, which Snead said was intentional to keep their interest under the radar). Team sources said he was one of their top overall prospects. On Thursday, the Rams called multiple teams to gather intel on what the prices would be to trade up or down, including a conversation with a team in the top 10 that could have led to selecting an offensive player.
Los Angeles Rams draft Jared Verse: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Team and league sources believed those costs to be too high, especially with multiple other teams trying to trade into that group and therefore driving up the cost. The Rams did not get on the phones as the last few picks of the top 10 unfolded, a source said.
“Offense definitely pushed defense our way,” Snead said. “We always felt like Jared had a chance to get there, but there was definitely a chance for him to go right before us depending on how that whole thing shook out. I think that heavy offensive, six QBs going, helped Jared get to us.”
As the board fell in rare fashion — 14 offensive players were selected before a single defensive player, including six quarterbacks — the Rams prepared to possibly trade back from No. 19. Having two of the top pass rushers clustered so closely motivated them to stay put, and they were rewarded with Verse.
Verse immediately will lend size, power and high-end energy to a pass rush that was woefully incomplete last season. One scout compared Verse’s attacking, ceaseless play style to former Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, although Verse has more bulk around his frame, and the scout believed Verse’s power will complement Young’s speed.
Verse initially will play edge/outside linebacker, but McVay noted Verse eventually could play over a guard.
“You can tell he cares about football, he has fun playing football, and oh, by the way, he’s pretty disruptive and violent,” Snead said. “You think ‘defense,’ the way he plays is next to the word in the dictionary.”
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