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  • April 26, 2024 at 8:07 pm in reply to: round 2: Rams trade up for DT Braden Fiske #150402
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    InvaderRam wrote:

    what did they give up to move up?

    Next year’s 2nd.

    Gary Klein@LATimesklein
    The Rams sent pick Nos. 52 and 155 and a 2025 second-round pick to the Panthers so they could choose Braden Fiske at No. 39.
    April 26, 2024 at 7:58 pm in reply to: round 2: Rams trade up for DT Braden Fiske #150399
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    canadaram wrote:

    His effort on every play and the fact he should be able to play more than one defensive line position, has me thinking that teams might want to select him early in this draft.

    This is a theme. Or 2 of them. Verse + Fiske =

    1. position versatility;

    2. relentless motor

    They are re-populating the front 7. That was the most likely call before the draft, they would get at least 2 front 7 players early in the draft, and it’s happening.

    April 26, 2024 at 7:06 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150388
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    April 26, 2024 at 7:05 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150387
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    April 26, 2024 at 6:46 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150386
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    Chris 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
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    Daniel Jeremiah@MoveTheSticks
    Fastest 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
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    Blaine Grisak @bgrisakTST
    Some 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 Avila
    April 26, 2024 at 6:37 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150385
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    ..

    April 26, 2024 at 6:36 pm in reply to: Ram tweets etc. … 4/26 #150384
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    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    Rams ultimately stayed pretty safe as the board fell uniquely yesterday. I would think at least an attempt for some movement in 2 and 3 would be on their radar today.
    April 26, 2024 at 5:30 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150381
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    The “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 11:42 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150369
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    How 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 11:38 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150368
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    InvaderRam wrote:

    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?

    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 11:33 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150367
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    Blaine 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.
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    Pat McAfee@PatMcAfeeShow
    “Jared Verse is powerful and explosive.. There’s so much to like about this guy” Bill Belichick #PMSDraftSpectacular
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    SeattleRams@seattlerams_nfl
    One 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 10:13 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150355
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    wv wrote:

    I dont think he’s a ‘sure thing’ at the NFL level. Just have to wait and see, i guess.

    What you don’t appreciate is the fact that Verse is a CEO style pass rusher.

    (That joke is likely way too obscure for most here).

    April 26, 2024 at 10:11 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150354
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    Sosa Kremenjas@QBsMVP
     Jared Verse feels very Ryan Kerrigan-y to me. Safe, solid power-based rusher with a good arsenal of moves + enough raw strength to work his game off his bullrush
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    J.B. Long@JB_Long
     “We’re looking for grown men on defense.” -Sean McVay on @RamsNFLnew Edge Jared Verse
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    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    McVay made an interesting comment in his and Les’ presser towards the end. Jared Verse will obviously start at OLB/edge in their base defense, but has the versatility to switch up and go against interior players (presumably at 3T). He’s going to be a problem. Love them picks.
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    HoldenCantor@HoldenCantor
     I gotta be honest, I did not think at any point before the draft that Jared Verse would be there at 19. Rams are a much better team than they were a few days ago. LFG
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    Blaine Grisak@bgrisakTST
    The thing with Verse is…had he entered the draft last year, he would have been a first round pick. Had 9 sacks last year with the Seminoles.

    Returned to FSU. Led a top defense in the country and leader of a team that went undefeated.

    .

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    “Told you guys we weren’t gonna go offense!” – Sean McVay
    April 26, 2024 at 9:27 am in reply to: Gaza #150352
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    We need an exodus from Zionism

    Naomi Klein

    https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/24/zionism-seder-protest-new-york-gaza-israel?CMP=share_btn_url&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3mGo2naz8ts93WGN_SBlelsl1h4JVQNMZF7A4e2oj27n0khwTYlMTVYBA_aem_AcXZTkeM8n90Q2jyN–iVBPutYID-g9I0pXzMbnxt3vpfq8WeImreZ2BpEdda1Li9rl2u8eq1-OkqhbPSXFLxCOB

    This Passover, we don’t need or want the false idol of Zionism. We want freedom from the project that commits genocide in our name

    I’ve been thinking about Moses, and his rage when he came down from the mount to find the Israelites worshipping a golden calf.

    The ecofeminist in me was always uneasy about this story: what kind of God is jealous of animals? What kind of God wants to hoard all the sacredness of the Earth for himself?

    But there is a less literal way of understanding this story. It is about false idols. About the human tendency to worship the profane and shiny, to look to the small and material rather than the large and transcendent.

    What I want to say to you tonight at this revolutionary and historic Seder in the Streets is that too many of our people are worshipping a false idol once again. They are enraptured by it. Drunk on it. Profaned by it.

    That false idol is called Zionism.

    Zionism is a false idol that has taken the idea of the promised land and turned it into a deed of sale for a militaristic ethnostate

    It is a false idol that takes our most profound biblical stories of justice and emancipation from slavery – the story of Passover itself – and turns them into brutalist weapons of colonial land theft, roadmaps for ethnic cleansing and genocide.

    It is a false idol that has taken the transcendent idea of the promised land – a metaphor for human liberation that has traveled across multiple faiths to every corner of this globe – and dared to turn it into a deed of sale for a militaristic ethnostate.

    Political Zionism’s version of liberation is itself profane. From the start, it required the mass expulsion of Palestinians from their homes and ancestral lands in the Nakba.

    From the start it has been at war with dreams of liberation. At a Seder it is worth remembering that this includes the dreams of liberation and self-determination of the Egyptian people. This false idol of Zionism equates Israeli safety with Egyptian dictatorship and client states.

    From the start it has produced an ugly kind of freedom that saw Palestinian children not as human beings but as demographic threats – much as the pharaoh in the Book of Exodus feared the growing population of Israelites, and thus ordered the death of their sons.

    Zionism has brought us to our present moment of cataclysm and it is time that we said clearly: it has always been leading us here.

    It is a false idol that has led far too many of our own people down a deeply immoral path that now has them justifying the shredding of core commandments: thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not covet.

    We, in these streets for months and months, are the exodus. The exodus from Zionism
    It is a false idol that equates Jewish freedom with cluster bombs that kill and maim Palestinian children.

    Zionism is a false idol that has betrayed every Jewish value, including the value we place on questioning – a practice embedded in the Seder with its four questions asked by the youngest child.

    Including the love we have as a people for text and for education.

    Today, this false idol justifies the bombing of every university in Gaza; the destruction of countless schools, of archives, of printing presses; the killing of hundreds of academics, of journalists, of poets – this is what Palestinians call scholasticide, the killing of the means of education.

    Meanwhile, in this city, the universities call in the NYPD and barricade themselves against the grave threat posed by their own students daring to ask them basic questions, such as: how can you claim to believe in anything at all, least of all us, while you enable, invest in and collaborate with this genocide?

    The false idol of Zionism has been allowed to grow unchecked for far too long.

    So tonight we say: it ends here.

    Our Judaism cannot be contained by an ethnostate, for our Judaism is internationalist by nature.

    Our Judaism cannot be protected by the rampaging military of that state, for all that military does is sow sorrow and reap hatred – including against us as Jews.

    Our Judaism is not threatened by people raising their voices in solidarity with Palestine across lines of race, ethnicity, physical ability, gender identity and generations.

    Our Judaism is one of those voices and knows that in that chorus lies both our safety and our collective liberation.

    Our Judaism is the Judaism of the Passover Seder: the gathering in ceremony to share food and wine with loved ones and strangers alike, the ritual that is inherently portable, light enough to carry on our backs, in need of nothing but each other: no walls, no temple, no rabbi, a role for everyone, even – especially – the smallest child. The Seder is a diaspora technology if ever there was one, made for collective grieving, contemplation, questioning, remembering and reviving the revolutionary spirit.

    So look around. This, here, is our Judaism. As waters rise and forests burn and nothing is certain, we pray at the altar of solidarity and mutual aid, no matter the cost.

    We don’t need or want the false idol of Zionism. We want freedom from the project that commits genocide in our name. Freedom from an ideology that has no plan for peace other than deals with murderous theocratic petrostates next door, while selling the technologies of robo-assassinations to the world.

    We seek to liberate Judaism from an ethnostate that wants Jews to be perennially afraid, that wants our children to be afraid, that wants us to believe the world is against us so that we go running to its fortress and beneath its iron dome, or at least keep the weapons and donations flowing.

    That is the false idol.

    And it’s not just Netanyahu, it’s the world he made and that made him – it’s Zionism.

    What are we? We, in these streets for months and months, are the exodus. The exodus from Zionism.

    And to the Chuck Schumers of this world, we do not say: “Let our people go.”

    We say: “We have already gone. And your kids? They’re with us now.”

    Naomi Klein is a Guardian US columnist and contributing writer. She is the professor of climate justice and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice at the University of British Columbia. Her latest book, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World, was published in September
    This is a transcript of a speech delivered at the Emergency Seder in the Streets in New York City

    April 26, 2024 at 9:02 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150351
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    from https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2024-live-picks-results/eec4465a486ca0e01ed4c82b

    19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

    • Grade: A

    The Rams needed to find a way to upgrade their pass rush in the wake of Aaron Donald’s retirement and with Murphy off the board, they had to go outside linebacker for Chris Shula’s defense, getting a nice complement to their second-year rising star, Byron Young. Verse should remain productive right away in their scheme.

    …

    from https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/nfl-draft-picks-grades-and-analysis

    .

    19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
    Rang: While Aaron Donald’s retirement certainly created a massive hole in the middle of the Rams’ defense, there isn’t a player in this draft (or many others) as gifted as the future Hall of Famer. Adding juice to the Rams’ pass rush on the outside makes perfect sense, especially when they play the run as passionately and effectively as Verse. Powerful and intense, Verse brings talent and leadership to a defense looking for some stars to step up.

    …

    from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2024/04/25/nfl-draft-grades-first-round-picks-2024/73459949007/</p&gt;

    19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State – Grade: B+

    Things sure fell into place nicely for Los Angeles as it looks to reconfigure its pass rush after Aaron Donald’s retirement. Verse isn’t the most pliable threat off the edge, but he ticks almost every other box for a player who will create consistent havoc for opposing quarterbacks. With Verse, Kobie Turner and Byron Young, the Rams have several long-term building blocks one year after it looked like the defense was devoid of any outside of Donald.
    …

    from https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2024-nfl-draft-grades-all-32-first-round-picks

    R1 (19) LOS ANGELES RAMS: ED JARED VERSE, FLORIDA STATE

    Pick Grade: Very Good

    The Rams desperately needed edge help, and they select arguably the best power rusher in the class. Verse burst onto the scene over the past two years at Florida State, ranking second among Power Five edge rushers in pass-rush win rate. The Rams use their highest selection since 2016 to reset their pass rush after Aaron Donald‘s retirement.

    …

    from https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades_1.php

    1. Los Angeles Rams Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State – B- Grade
      It has to be disappointing for the Rams that they couldn’t get Byron Murphy. It makes sense though that they would target a front-seven player because their offense is so explosive. I’m not crazy about this pick because Jared Verse isn’t close to the other two edge rushers who were chosen earlier, yet he’s being taken so close to them. I don’t hate this pick – Verse likely belonged in the 20s – but it’s a bit underwhelming for a team that hadn’t drafted in the first round since 2016.

    …

    from https://theathletic.com/5436808/2024/04/25/nfl-draft-grades-2024-round-1/

    19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

    The Rams lost Aaron Donald, one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, and needed to find some way to replace him. Verse likely won’t equal what Donald brought (nor would anyone else), but he was a nice choice for a team that hadn’t made a first-round pick since 2016. Chop Robinson might be more explosive with a higher upside, but Verse was more productive in college.

    A workmanlike technician with a motor, Verse (6-4, 254) became an All-American after beginning his career at Albany as a no-star recruit. He played three seasons in the FCS (including one as a redshirt), then transferred to Florida State and posted back-to-back nine-sack seasons. Although he may not wow observers physically, Verse boasts one of this class’ top work ethics, which will serve him well in the NFL.

    Grade: B

    …

    from https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-draft-grades-first-round-giants-earn-a-for-malik-nabers-vikings-get-c-for-j-j-mccarthy-pick/

    19. Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
    Grade: B+

    The Rams patiently wait and end up with one of the best pass rushers in this draft. This fills a major need and will help compensate for the loss of Aaron Donald on the inside.

    …

    from https://www.si.com/nfl/2024/04/25/2024-nfl-draft-first-round-pick-grades

    19. Los Angeles Rams | Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
    Rookie contract: Four years, $14.9 million

    After three years with the Albany Great Danes, Verse transferred to the Seminoles and was excellent in Tallahassee. Over two seasons with Florida State, he posted nine sacks in each campaign while totaling 29.5 tackles for loss.

    At 6’4″ and 254 pounds, Verse has ideal size for an edge rusher. Look for his athleticism to be a huge part of his game early before adding moves to his pass-rushing arsenal.

    Grade: A-

    …

     

    April 26, 2024 at 8:33 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150349
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    canadaram wrote:

    I tried doing the post-and-edit-in a comment thing with my links and a post disappeared. 🤷‍♂️

    Near as I can tell it’s all fixed.

    BTW in those tweets, the date stamp was at the bottom. Saying that refers back to what I said before about getting the best URL. Where ever the date or time stamp is–top or bottom of a tweet–clicking that puts the right URL in your address bar. Sry the board is twitchy for you but I can keep up fixing things. 😎

    April 26, 2024 at 1:38 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150336
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    InvaderRam wrote:

    i dunno. i’m not as high in this pick as others. especially with all the defensive players available. maybe they shoulda traded down.

    I like what I see and hear with Verse. He’s not a Miller, Mack, or Parsons. Though if he were, he wouldn’t have been there at 19. He is though a pro-ready pass rusher whose talent has more to do with power than with bendy edge-rush magic. He’s like a Kevin Greene with more speed-to-power violence in him. He also has some position versatility which means that the Rams will likely work on scheming in a pass rush on obvious passing downs by moving Turner and Verse all over the place.

    They won’t be replacing AD with another “the one guy” type guy…it will have to be a collection of good players made effective by scheming and by constantly surprising the offense (making the offense ask, who do we focus on? who’s coming this down and from where?). Verse is one more step in  that direction though they need a couple more too.

    That’s Verse on the left of the pic, closing in on a sack:

    April 26, 2024 at 12:12 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150334
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    April 26, 2024 at 12:07 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150333
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    from Dane Brugler,  “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide.

    … blue-collar background and has a strong support system built on hard work (added 40 pounds of muscle during the pandemic to move to the defensive line) … great teammate and quickly created a legacy in Tallahassee…. As a pass rusher, Verse can win with speed or power and flashes violence in his hands to break down the rhythm of blockers. He sets a physical edge in the run game and is always around the football, because of his awareness, effort and fierce play personality. Overall, 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 26, 2024 at 12:00 am in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150332
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    April 25, 2024 at 11:44 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150331
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    April 25, 2024 at 11:42 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150330
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    April 25, 2024 at 10:48 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150325
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    Los Angeles Rams draft Jared Verse: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

    By Eric Single and Jourdan Rodrigue
    .

    The Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse with the No. 19 pick in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft.

    Verse, who started his college career at the FCS level with Albany before transferring up and starring for the Seminoles, will now bring his electric suite of pass-rush skills to the Rams’ defensive front.

    Verse left high school as a tight end and channeled that athleticism to dominate on the defensive line at Albany, earning FCS Freshman All-America honors before hitting the transfer portal and joining Mike Norvell’s rebuild in Tallahassee.

    He made an immediate impact, with two key sacks and a blocked field goal in the Seminoles’ Week 1 win against LSU in New Orleans. That kick-started the first of Verse’s two nine-sack seasons for the Seminoles, who went undefeated in 2023. Having proved everything he needed to at college football’s top level, Verse joined the long list of FSU opt-outs ahead of the Noles’ 63-3 Orange Bowl loss to Georgia.

    ‘The Beast’ breakdown

    Verse ranked No. 20 in Dane Brugler’s Top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide:

    “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).”

    Coaching intel

    Here’s what two anonymous coaches had to say about Verse in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft:

    “His assimilation of making the jump from Albany to Florida State was impressive. He’s very smart. He’s got a chip on his shoulder.”

    “He’s very physical. He gets after people in the run game. Has some mitts and uses those hands well. He’s an explosive athlete and has good burst. Plays like he’s always trying to prove he belongs in big-time football.”

    And here’s what a scout told Feldman in his draft confidential.

    “I like Verse a little better (than Dallas Turner). He plays harder and has a better feel for it. Verse has great upper body strength. Can go speed to power. Ran 4.58. He is a little bit stiffer and doesn’t bend the corner as well, though.”

    Why he’s a first-round pick

    Verse’s size-speed combo translated seamlessly against Power 5 competition, underscoring why he was one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal after the 2021 season. He bookended his time on the national college football stage at FSU with sacks in highly visible, clutch situations: a near game-clincher on the final drive of the 2022 thriller against LSU and a pair of drive-killers in the 2023 ACC championship game win against Louisville.

    By the end of his career, Verse’s role had morphed from breakout star to one of several dangerous members of the Noles’ defensive front, offering a preview of the impact he might make at the next level even before he develops into an NFL defense’s primary weapon.

    Mike Sando’s assessment

    Three of the six NFL execs I polled at the combine had Verse going in the top 10. Verse winds up going to the Rams at 19 as the fourth defensive player in this class.

    How he fits

    Verse will start immediately for the Rams, in the vacant spot opposite second-year player Byron Young. The Rams have needed another outside linebacker for more than a season, and Verse’s power in tandem with Young’s speed could be a force for a pass rush that is entering a new era minus Donald.

    Rookie impact

    Verse should be expected to start right away. The Rams had an issue with complementary pressure in 2023, without another strong presence on the edge.

    Depth-chart impact

    Verse will get the benefit of also playing alongside interior defensive lineman Kobie Turner, who led all rookies in sacks last season (9.5). The attention Turner can command on the inside makes opportunities better for Verse and Young, and vice versa.

    They also could have picked ….

    The Rams really liked Dallas Turner, who surprisingly fell into the teens as a record-setting run on offensive players unfolded to start the round. They called other teams about trading up or back, including getting a price assessment on what it would take to get into the top 10 (for an offensive player). They could have traded back and were prepared to do so just in case the board didn’t fall to them, but getting one of their top-ranked overall prospects in Verse meant staying put.

    Fast evaluation

    Because of the unique way the board fell in the first round, the Rams were able to combine a massive need with their favorite player still available on the board in Verse. That’s rare luck. Verse will be an immediate impact player under second-year coach Joe Coniglio.

    April 25, 2024 at 10:47 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150324
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    April 25, 2024 at 10:35 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150323
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    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    The Rams are picking FSU OLB Jared Verse – a rare combination of massive need and one of their favorite players in the class. They were prepared to potentially trade out but the board fell uniquely – luck helps. Their first first-round pick since 2016, and a defensive player.
    .
    Jared Verse says this is a “dream come true.” Kobie Turner has already reached out.
    .
    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Defensive coordinator Chris Shula and outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio both pumped after the pick. Could hear and feel that energy throughout the draft house after it was made
    .
    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    What we really liked initially about Jared Verse was his ability to rush with his hand in the dirt, and standing up. Physical edge setter in the run game. Speed and power combo. All around really good f*cking player and more polished than Chop Robinson.
    .
    Cameron DaSilva@camdasilva
    The Rams filled their biggest roster hole without trading up or reaching for a guy. I LOVE the pick of Jared Verse. Thought he’d have gone earlier.
    .
    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    How insanely pumped must Chris Shula be right now? Jared Verse had 29 TFL and 18 sacks in 25 games for FSU. Also, from everything we’ve read, he’s a really good human being and fits the Aaron Donald “care factor” mold.
    .
    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    Jared Verse, per Dane Brugler’s the Beast: “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.”
    .
    Stu Jackson@StuJRams
    Byron Young’s speed + Jared Verse’s power generated? Sign me up
    .
    Verse is fast, too, power generated = speed to power
    .
    Blaine Grisak @bgrisakTST
    Byron Young and Jared Verse should be able to complement each other really well. Got more of a speed guy with Young and Verse adds some more strength on the other side. Add Turner in the middle? Defensive pass rush has a vision.
    .

    Elvis

    There has never been that many QBs or offensive players taken at the start/top of a draft ever.

    Good day to need defense..

    April 25, 2024 at 10:27 pm in reply to: Rams 1st pick (19) is Jared Verse #150319
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    HEIGHT
    6’ 4’’
    WEIGHT
    254 lbs
    ARM
    33 1/2’’
    HAND
    9 7/8’’
    ,

    By Lance Zierlein

    Draft Projection
    Round 1
    NFL Comparison
    LaMarr Woodley

    Overview

    Talented edge defender with the field demeanor, athleticism and skill set to rack up statistics in key categories fairly early in his NFL career. Verse dominated at Albany and then showed an ability to do the same at Florida State. He’s twitchy and compact, with explosiveness featured at the point of attack and in his upfield burst as a pass rusher. He’s great with his hands and does a nice job of diagnosing plays quickly and staying out of the clinches of offensive linemen looking to snatch him up. Verse’s ability to threaten the edge only bolsters his hellish speed-to-power bull-rushing ability to run tackles deep into the pocket. He can play up or down and should be in consideration for all defensive schemes looking to add a safe, high-impact edge.

    Strengths

    Thrives with winning first step and unstoppable energy.
    Quick to close distance and mitigate his length disadvantage.
    Controls bigger blockers at the point with leverage, hands and power.
    Instincts allow for rapid diagnosis and attack of play development.
    Advanced GPS into the pocket, with multiple available rush routes.
    Uses sudden, combative hand work to beat the punch and grease the edge.
    Bend and strength to corner tightly to passer at efficient angles.
    Instantly converts his twitchy get-off into a menacing bull rush.

    Weaknesses

    Lacks ideal size and length that teams covet.
    Unable to anchor deep when drive blockers get into him.
    Below-average footwork and wrap-up leads to missed tackles.
    Offensive tackles stall his rush plan with a firm punch.
    Has moments where rush wears down against size.

    Sources Tell Us

    “He really sees the game well and he’s got the athleticism to go with it. I think he’ll be one of the best defensive players to come out of this draft.” – NFC executive

    April 25, 2024 at 9:49 pm in reply to: counting down to draft day #150316
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    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    If a team needs defensive players, and happens to be in the late-middle of the draft, what a time
    .
    Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
    13 straight offensive picks. Draft is insanely top heavy with offense. Part of the reason why we were saying IF the Rams trade up, it would be for either an offensive lineman or WR. Nonetheless, so much talent still on the board.
    .
    Fishkiller@FV_Mylia_Lynn
    Here comes the run on defensive players. The Rams should have at least one of Latu, Turner, Verse, Mitchell, Arnold or Murphy to choose from on that side of the ball.
    April 25, 2024 at 5:29 pm in reply to: counting down to draft day #150312
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    Dianna Russini@DMRussini
    The Rams are pursuing this trade into the top 10 with a specific player in mind and it’s not a quarterback, per sources.

    Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
    More on this, per sources…from what I’ve gathered so far this morning, Rams are checking prices on a number of different possible moves – up into the top 10, and down.

    To me, staying at 19 would be surprising.

    How it works (for generally most teams outside of T12ish): Go into day one with a series of “if, then” scenarios that will have been played out as a staff in rehearsals. A pool of players who may be available at the original pick point. Scenarios if someone highly ranked

    falls lower than predicted. Scenarios if a trade manifests. A pool of players who could be available if that trade manifests. Scenarios if a trade doesn’t manifest. So much work goes into just the hypotheticals of this day.

     

    April 24, 2024 at 8:19 pm in reply to: counting down to draft day #150309
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    J.B. Long@JB_Long
    Few thoughts on the Rams draft, with the disclaimer that none are in any way sourced or informed by anyone inside the building. Plus, my annual reminder that there are men & women who spend every waking moment on this process. I’ll never pretend to tell them their business. Ok…

    I think you start each offseason & draft with these questions:
    (1) Do you have a QB who can win the Super Bowl?
    (2) If not, do you have a roster that can, even if the QB isn’t the driving force?

    Ever since we saw what McVay was capable of in 2017, the answer has been “Yes.”

    Since we’re in “first time the Rams will pick in the first round since Goff in 2016” mode, feels appropriate to call this out: LA nailed that move up for Jared, and clearly picked the right player. Don’t want to take that for granted, just bc he was 1.1 or plays for DET now.

    For me, the last 6 years have been about the window that AD99 created. Cannot stress enough, flip them picks was only possible because of the 13th pick in 2014.

    Now, it shifts to the window that’s been kept open by MS9 playing at an MVP level in the second half of last season.

    With respect to that window, Matt Ryan officially retiring this week is going to be a reference point.

    There are specific things Stafford can do before he’s done to cement his legacy. From the Rams documentary, that’s clearly not lost on him. And that gives me chills.

    In terms of the need/best available tension: You want to be drafting premium positions in the 1st Rd. I can make the case that the Rams have “needs” at all of those positions, so in that sense, there’s a lot of flexibility. But last year’s class reinforces “fit” above all else.

    April 24, 2024 at 7:28 pm in reply to: new thread: Rams draft after AD retired #150308
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