Rams: 2024 NFL Draft first rounder Jared Verse is living up to the hype

Rams defensive end Jared Verse is already making waves during his first NFL offseason as the Rams begin the post-Aaron Donald era.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams spent their offseason trying to figure out how in the world they're going to replace the greatness that was recently-retired and future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald. That plan included adding two defensive linemen from Florida State during the 2024 NFL Draft, starting with No. 19 overall pick Jared Verse.

Verse may not be anywhere close to Donald's level right now, but he's off to a great start in his own right. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula said this spring Verse has "been as advertised", according to ESPN Rams reporter Sarah Barshop. Head coach Sean McVay also added he has "really been impressed" with Verse to this point.

"Verse's passion for football and willingness to work were two things the Rams saw on tape during the pre-draft process, and defensive coordinator Chris Shula said so far this spring Verse has 'been as advertised.' It can be difficult to evaluate without pads, but head coach Sean McVay said he's 'really been impressed' with the first-round pick. 'He's done a great job of really imposing his will [and] continuing to learn,'"

- ESPN's Sarah Barshop

May 21, 2024, Thousand Oaks, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared Verse (8) wears a Guardian helmet cap during organized team activities at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Verse had 18 sacks in two seasons at Florida State to go along with 29.5 tackles for a loss. Along with second-round pick Braden Fiske, Verse joins a Rams defensive line that also includes two young risers in Bobby Brown III and Kobie Turner, who made a case for Defensive Rookie of the Year with nine sacks in 2023. Collectively, the Rams have put together a strong defensive line. Verse will have a chance to make an immediate impact as the Rams begin the post-Donald era.

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