Mel Kiper details why Jared Verse is a fit for the Minnesota Vikings

Through the first 10 picks of Mel Kiper Jr.’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0, the draft guru only has one defensive player going in the top 10 picks. However, that works perfectly for the Minnesota Vikings, who are looking to bolster their defense this offseason.

Along with attempting to get better on the defensive side of the ball, Minnesota will likely have to replace some key veterans on their team, such as EGDE Danielle Hunter. With Hunter likely on the move this offseason, Kiper sees the Vikings solving two problems with one move by selecting one of the best pass rushers in this year’s draft in Florida State standout Jared Verse.

“I went with Jared Verse. I had Terrion Arnold going to Minnesota at 11,” said Kiper. “But the more I thought about it; with Hunter moving on [and] D.J. Wonnum likely moving on, you need a pass rusher, right?”

When revealing his projected selection for the Vikings, Kiper revealed that he made a change from its initial selection of Alabama Crimson Tide corner Terrion Arnold, who is arguably the top defensive back prospect in this year’s draft. However, with Hunter likely out the door in Minnesota, the franchise will likely look to find his replacement sooner rather than later.

“The power in this pass rush of Jared Verse. The fact that I think when you look at the defensive end, getting after the quarterback, that’s what the Vikings have always been able to do. And they need to replace Hunter, so I went defensive end over corner Terrion Arnold with this pick at No. 11 for the Minnesota Vikings.”

Verse played a significant role on the defensive side of the ball and the resurgence of the Florida State football program. In two years at Florida State, after transferring into the program from Albany, he recorded 70 tackles, 12.0 tackles for a loss, 7.0 sacks, two blocked kicks, two fumble recoveries, and three passes defended.

During the 2023 season, Verse tallied 34 tackles and 9.0 tackles for a loss. 6.0 sacks, a blocked kick, a fumble recovery, and three passes defended.

Verse is currently in Indianapolis, taking part in the NFL Combine. He is accompanied by 11 of his former Florida State teammates, a list that includes defensive tackle Braden Fiske, running back Trey Benson, and star wide receiver Keon Coleman. If Verse puts together an impressive showing at the NFL combine, he could potentially boost his draft stock and find himself being taken in the top ten of the 2024 NFL Draft. And that is something that would be great for him but not so much for the Vikings.