Rams add Verse at No. 19 to bolster pass rush

The Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 19 overall.

Verse is the Rams' first Round 1 pick since they selected quarterback Jared Goff first overall in 2016.

The former Florida State stud played two seasons for the Seminoles, amassing 29.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks across 25 appearances. Verse projects to be an important piece of a Rams defense that recently lost future Hall of Fame lineman Aaron Donald to retirement.

Though Los Angeles didn't have a first-round pick last year, the team put together a solid draft class. In addition to All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua, the Rams added promising pass-rushers Byron Young and Kobie Turner in the third round. Turner led the club with nine sacks in 2023, while Young finished his rookie campaign with eight sacks.

Pre-draft profile

Verse is a powerful edge rusher that will fit in any scheme. He's able to lock out offensive linemen early in reps with an impressive get-off and heavy hands, and his bull rush is strong and gives him leverage despite his arms being on the shorter end. Verse brings great effort from snap to whistle, playing violently through blockers and as a tackler. However, a bit more control will help him avoid missing tackles and improve his anchor against blockers that get into his chest in the run game. Larger offensive linemen give Verse a bit more trouble when they can sink in and stymie his bull rush, but his instincts and angles prevent him from being taken out of plays.