Los Angeles Rams’ EDGE Jared Verse has been the most impressive defensive rookie in the NFL, and I’m not sure if it’s close. His 20% Pass Rush win rate has him tied with Pittsburgh’s TJ Watt, despite being doubled 25% of the time. He’s 11th in total pressures in the entire league as a rookie, and among all players with at least 15 pressures this season, he’s sixth in Pressure Rate. He’s helped elevate a Rams pass rush that was looking like it would miss Aaron Donald (and it still does), while showcasing some of the things that made him my tope EDGE in the 2024 NFL Draft Class.
One of my favorite things about Verse is his ability to transfer speed to power. He’s an explosive player, but not explosive in the bendy way, where he’s dipping and turning around the corner. His explosion is power through an offensive tackle, using his length and burst to cause problems. Against Seattle this was evident, constantly generating pressure and turning that pressure into sacks for himself and his teammates.
He’s lined up across from Seahawks’ LT Charles Cross, who is very good. He kind of slips out of his stance, but it doesn’t matter because watch the force he generates right here. He walks Cross back and forces an errant throw by QB Geno Smith. Seems pretty good to me.
His speed to power helped generate another sack for teammate Byron Young as well. He sets up the right tackle with a stutter step, freezing the tackle in his tracks. Then, he leans forward and puts both hands in his chest, walking him back like a blocking sled. Smith is forced to step up and Young finishes it with a sack. Verse’s speed to power is already looking lethal.
The Seahawks know how much of a threat he is, and on his sack he was doubled by Cross and a RB on play action. He knocks Cross back into the RB, wasting Cross and putting him on the ground. Then, he swims by Charbonnet and before you know it, Verse is on top of Geno Smith in an instant. He’s the straw the stirs the drink for the Rams’ pass rush, which has quietly been the most impressive part of that defense.
The Rams are still in the thick of the NFC playoff race, and already hold a win over the 49ers, Vikings and Seahawks. Their ability to generate pass rush, combined with the general heroics of QB Matthew Stafford and co. on offense make them a dangerous team if they get to the postseason. It’s the same formula they had last year, but instead of Aaron Donald leading the charge, it’s Verse.
The Rams have a date with the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, and you better believe all eyes will be on Verse when Miami has the ball.
