Los Angeles Rams select Jared Verse in first round of 2024 NFL Draft

Florida State EDGE Jared Verse had quite the long journey to the NFL, which he completed in Detroit on Thursday after being selected as the No. 19 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

Verse played high school football at Central Columbia in Bloomsburg (PA) where he was an unrated, unranked high school recruit in the 2019 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

As an underrated prospect, Verse spent the first two seasons of his college career at FCS Albany. Where in 15 games he recorded 74 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup. Named a First-Team All-Conference selection and FCS Freshman All-American before transferring to Florida State.

In his first season with the Seminoles he received more All-ACC votes than any other defensive player in the conference to earn First-Team status. Also named an All-American after recording 48 tackles, 17.0 for loss, 9.0 sacks, three quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and one blocked field goal.

Instead of declaring for the draft, he returned for another season with the Seminoles, earning All-ACC and All-American status yet again after ending his senior year with 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, three pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. As the 6-foot-4, 254-pounder who started at the FCS level has now found himself at the NFL level just a few years later.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jared Verse

There’s no question that Verse looks the part for the NFL, but can he play the part? NFL analyst Lance Zierlein believes so, comparing Verse to LaMarr Woodley and breaking down his skillset as a prospect.

“Talented edge defender with the field demeanor, athleticism and skill set to rack up statistics in key categories fairly early in his NFL career,” Zierlein said. “Verse dominated at Albany and then showed an ability to do the same at Florida State. He’s twitchy and compact, with explosiveness featured at the point of attack and in his upfield burst as a pass rusher.”

“He’s great with his hands and does a nice job of diagnosing plays quickly and staying out of the clinches of offensive linemen looking to snatch him up. Verse’s ability to threaten the edge only bolsters his hellish speed-to-power bull-rushing ability to run tackles deep into the pocket. He can play up or down and should be in consideration for all defensive schemes looking to add a safe, high-impact edge.”