Jared Verse was an instant-impact rookie for the Los Angeles Rams last season, immediately becoming a disruptive edge rusher who helped against the pass and the run. Even though he only had 4.5 sacks in the regular season, he generated consistent pressure and was stout against the run.
Not to mention, he had the most pressures of any player in the NFL last season, including the playoffs. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year should take another step forward in his second season, staking his claim as a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Pro Football Focus is high on Verse entering Year 2, ranking him as the eighth-best edge rusher in the league.
Verse established himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass-rushers en route to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, finishing fourth in total pressures (77) and sixth in pass-rush win rate (19.6%). He also defended the run at a high level, earning an 81.0 PFF run-defense grade. Verse continued his strong play into the postseason, recording 12 pressures and two sacks across the Rams’ two playoff games.
Verse struggled with missed tackles early last season, which led to missed opportunities for sacks. As the season progressed, he got more comfortable and played with better discipline when getting into the backfield, which led to an outstanding performance against the Eagles in the playoffs.
If he can carry that over into 2025, he’s going to be tough to stop.