Florida State DE Jared Verse: Atlanta Falcons Draft Target?

The Atlanta Falcons need a boost to their pass rush, and Florida State's Jared Verse may be just what they're looking for.

Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) / Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

With just three weeks remaining until the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons likely have a good idea of who they could target in the first round.

Will they go for a receiver to help out new quarterback Kirk Cousins? Will they look to add a cornerback as a running mate for A.J. Terrell? Or will they look to bolster their pass rush that has been somewhat lacking over the past couple of seasons?

All are viable options, and there are multiple players available for each option. If the Falcons decide to go with an edge rusher, The Athletic believes that Florida State's Jared Verse could be a great choice for them.

Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) / Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

"Verse was considered an option for the Falcons in last year’s first round before he decided to return to Florida State, where the 6-4, 260-pounder had nine sacks, matching his total from 2022. Verse helps himself with his run defense," The Athletic writes.

Importantly, The Athletic placed Verse in a tier titled "If they trade down, then what?" The Seminoles star is often projected to to go after the Falcons pick at No. 8 overall, but some mock drafts have him going to Atlanta anyways. If the Falcons trade down and Verse is still available, then he maes even more sense as a potential target.

Since transferring to Florida State from Albany in 2022, Verse has emerged as one of the country's premier pass rushers. He finished with nine sacks in each of the last two seasons, and his explosive athleticism has caught the eyes of many a scout.

The Dayton, Oho native is considered to be one of the top edge rushers in this class, right up there with Alabama's Dallas Turner and UCLA's Laiatu Latu. Atlanta's pass rush is a noticeable weak spot as of right now, so if Verse or any other star edge rusher is available, it could be a very wise investment.