Joel Klatt analyzes why Jared Verse could 'dominate' in the NFL

On Monday, Joel Klatt named Jared Verse his No. 2 defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft. The FOX Sports analyst didn’t hold back when praising the Florida State defensive lineman.

“He’s probably the safest defender that you can select,” Klatt said. “Verse is is more versatile [than Alabama LB Dallas Turner]. I think he can play with his hand in the ground. I think he can play standing up. I think he’s scheme-diverse. He’s very strong at the point of attack. He’s got a great first step. He’s got the production sacking the quarterback, and yet he’s also a really good run defender.

“This guy is easily a guy that I think can be the best defender in the class. He just doesn’t have the top-line attributes, from a testing perspective, that a Dallas Turner does. But, Jared Verse is the safest defender, at least on my draft board.”

While Verse might not rival Dallas Turner’s physical attributes, he’s no slouch. NFL.com named Verse to All-NFL Combine Team for his performance in front of scouts. Verse has proven himself on the field, as well.

In the 2023 campaign, Verse tallied 34 tackles, 9.0 tackles for a loss. 6.0 sacks, a blocked kick, a fumble recovery and three passes defended. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound figure boasted a similarly stunning season in 2022.

In two years at Florida State, Verse amassed 70 tackles, 12.0 tackles for a loss, 7.0 sacks, two blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended.

Prior to transferring to Florida State, Verse played in 15 games at Albany, where he racked up 74 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup. Klatt believes Verse can find similar success at the highest levels.

“This guy has the power and the speed to dominate at the next level,” Klatt said. “I’ll be pretty surprised if there’s not a year where he is up there at least in the top five or four in sacks in the NFL.”

Not every analyst is as confident in Verse. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Verse as the No. 23 overall prospect available in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he did rank Verse as the No. 1 defensive end in the draft class. Only time will tell which team will be lucky enough to land Verse.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.