NFL Draft Prospect Jared Verse Talks Raiders' AP

Former Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse sees much value in a scenario where Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce is his head coach.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Development is everything for NFL Draft prospect Jared Verse of Florida State.

A likely first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Verse did not receive any FBS offers out of high school. After making waves in his one active season at the University at Albany, Verse transferred to FSU, where he quickly became one of the best defensive linemen in the nation.

"I always knew it was going to come, my family had no doubt in me with my hard work and athletic capabilities, taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way," Verse said when he addressed the media at the NFL Combine on Wednesday. "Albany helped me flourish, they helped me grow. Going to Florida State was something that changed my life for the better.

Former Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse sees much value in a scenario where Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce is his head coach / © Kirby Lee | 2024 Feb 28

"And ultimately, being in this position today, being around all these athletic guys, being in Indianapolis is just something I dreamed of. So, kind of knew it was coming, but I just had to stay focused.

Just as Verse had to develop in his college career, so too does he now have to elevate his game at the next level. Having a former player like Las Vegas Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce as a head coach would be a significant advantage for such a quest.

"It would mean the world to play for anybody, but specifically for [Pierce], it's because it's hopeful for my development," Verse said. "Goal as a player is to become bigger, stronger, faster, but also, it's the mental aspect that you can learn from a coach that's been there for a lot more years than I have been playing."

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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