{"id":104368,"date":"2025-06-04T21:59:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T21:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/104368\/"},"modified":"2025-06-04T21:59:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T21:59:12","slug":"jared-verse-rams-ready-to-build-on-strong-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/104368\/","title":{"rendered":"Jared Verse, Rams ready to build on strong season"},"content":{"rendered":"

LOS ANGELES (AP) \u2014 Jared Verse came as advertised in his debut season for the Los Angeles Rams, offering explosive pass rush prowess en route to AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After totaling 77 pressures, 11 tackles for loss and 4 1\/2 sacks last season, the outside linebacker isn\u2019t worried about a sophomore slump.<\/p>\n

For Seahawks\u2019 D, there\u2019s no pressure \u2013 they know what they\u2019re capable of<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really feel too much pressure,\u201d Verse said Tuesday after practice during organized team activities. \u201cIf I\u2019m who I am, if I take the strides needed to take, I\u2019m going to be the best version of me, and I\u2019m going to be able to help the team in any facet or way that they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Verse already has one year of dealing with immense expectations under his belt. Drafted 19th overall in 2024, the Florida State product had to handle the belief he would help the Rams to navigate the retirement of eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald.<\/p>\n

The pass rush was able to do just that, but Verse said it came from a collective effort rather than his or any other individual performance. Verse, fellow Seminole rookie Braden Fiske and second-year standouts Kobie Turner and Byron Young combined for 28 1\/2 sacks and 43 tackles for loss in the regular season.<\/p>\n

It took time for Verse and Fiske to recognize fully integrating into the defense required more than working off one another the way they had in college.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we did good, but I think we became more so focused on helping the team than trying to do our own thing and have a good little duo going on,\u201d Verse said. \u201cBut I think we kind of have learned the opportunities that we have to work together.\u201d<\/p>\n

Combined with Verse\u2019s improved understanding of how quickly the game moves in the NFL as the season went on, he closed out the campaign with a fumble return for a touchdown in an NFC wild-card round win over the Minnesota Vikings and two sacks and three tackles for loss in a six-point divisional round loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe number one thing you hear is how much faster the game is at this level versus college,\u201d Verse said. \u201cEverybody\u2019s always like, \u2018Oh, it\u2019s not.\u2019 The hell it is, man. You\u2019re thrown in that fire, nah, it\u2019s a lot faster. Yeah, it was surprising, but once I got the hang of it, it became just like college, it became just like high school, slowed down a lot more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Verse already feels well ahead of where he was at this time last year. He was determined to make the most of a full offseason without having to prepare for the draft or handle the uncertainty that comes with going through everything for the first time.<\/p>\n

That included a full review of all of Verse\u2019s game film from last season. The study allowed him to see how many chances he missed out on as a rookie.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably the biggest thing I realized was how many sacks, not even just sacks, but big plays I missed out on,\u201d he said. \u201cYou know, dropping in coverage I could have done this, or rushing the passer could have done that. Even in the run game a couple times, there\u2019s a couple things where I\u2019m a little too far inside, a little too far outside, and I could have made a big impact play. So realizing that this really is a game of inches, whether it\u2019s just like stopping the ball or actually just doing your job, there\u2019s a couple things I could have done better.\u201d<\/p>\n

All those steps, along with continued development from his work with outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio and defensive line coach Giff Smith, were evident to defensive coordinator Chris Shula in Verse\u2019s work during practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell he\u2019s really taken the techniques that Joe and Giff are really teaching him and applying them on the field,\u201d Shula said. \u201cAnd I think things have slowed down for him a little bit, and he\u2019s playing really fast right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Verse has one more week of work in Southern California before the Rams hold their mandatory minicamp in Maui. The loquacious Verse<\/a> is looking forward to a return visit after vacationing there for first time earlier this year, but don\u2019t expect to see him wading out in the Pacific Ocean during his free time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what\u2019s out in that water,\u201d Verse said. \u201cI\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n

NFC West: 49ers overhaul D-line after disappointing season<\/a><\/p>\n

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