The Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night, a move that received positive reviews from the media. We collected some different reactions and ratings to see how everyone views this selection.
athletic, B (paywall): “The Rams lost Aaron Donald, one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history, and needed to find some way to replace him. Verse probably won't match what Donald brought. (And no one else could either.) But he was a great player.'' A great choice for a team that hasn't had a first-round pick since 2016. Chop Robinson may be more explosive and has more upside, but Verse was more productive in college…even though he may not wow observers physically. Vaas is proud of that. The best work ethic in this class will serve him well in the NFL. ”
Pro football focus, very good: “The Rams desperately need help on the edge and are selecting perhaps the best power rusher in the class. Verse burst onto the scene the past two years at Florida State, ranking among the Power Five's edge rushers in pass rush win percentage. The Rams are using their best selection since 2016 to reset their pass rush following the retirement of Aaron Donald.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com, A: “The Rams saw great value in their first first-round pick in eight years, acquiring a coveted edge rusher from Verse who had the potential to be a top-12 pick. He has great dynamics and ease off the edge. Among other pass rushers in this class, he's more likely to produce from 2022 (17.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks) to 2023 (12 tackles for loss, 9 sacks). Despite seeing a decline in volume, he showed agility last season that looked good enough for him to transfer from Albany to Florida State, and his strength in the run game is also something to behold. ”
michael middlehurst schwartz USA Today,B+: “Things certainly fit right in for Los Angeles, which is trying to rebuild its pass rush after the retirement of Aaron Donald. Vers isn't the most flexible threat off the edge, but he can play in almost every box of a player who creates consistency. ” wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks. After a year in which it looked like Donald was the only player on the defense with Verse, Coby Turner and Byron Young, the Rams now have some long-term foundations. ”
Brant Sobleski, Bleacher Report, A: “The Rams will never be able to replace Aaron Donald, who retired this offseason, but they will need to pick up some of his accomplishments elsewhere. It gives the interior a legitimate edge rusher to go along with Byron Young and Koby Turner.'' Again, Donald's presence was the only thing that made a difference, but Verse, Young, and Turner were the Rams. gave us a core of exciting defensive talent. ”
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com, B+: “The Rams will be patient and ultimately get one of the best pass rushers in this draft, which fills a huge need and helps make up for the loss of Aaron Donald inside. ”
Rob Lang, FoxSports.com, A-: “Aaron Donald's retirement certainly created a big hole in the Rams' defense, but there is no player in this draft (or many others) as talented as a future Hall of Famer. “Adds life to the pass.” Especially when he plays the run as passionately and effectively as Vaas, Vaas brings flair and leadership to a defense looking for a star player to step up. ”
Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports B: “This is a very safe and surefire pick for the Rams at this point in the draft. Verse is a top tier player for the Rams and fits well with the players up front. The Rams were looking for an offensive player. ”Early in the process they acquired a stud pass rusher who could immediately improve the team. ”
danny kelly ringer,C+: “This is an unusually unglamorous pick for Rams GM Les Snead, who acquired an explosive three-down edge defender in the varsity. The former Seminoles star plays with a nonstop motor and uses his hands. He can use it well to throw off blocks and set things up.'' I'm not sold on Vaas' strong upside in producing double-digit sacks, but he's a solid, physical defender who will make the Rams' defensive line better. right. ”
The majority of analysts and writers are hopeful that Vaas will go to the Rams.danny kelly ringer Most of them have similar reasons, as the Rams needed more pass-rushing ability following the retirement of legendary Aaron Donald. It's wild to believe that Verse can have the impact he had on Donald's career, but they have a solid group of young pass rushers in Verse, Coby Turner and Byron Young.
A small number of Seminole players are expected to be removed from the roster Friday and Saturday, giving up to 13 a chance to be drafted at the event.
Read more: Los Angeles Rams select FSU football DE Jared Verse in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
continue nord game day Learn more about Florida State football throughout the NFL Draft here.
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