Scouting report for Rams first-round pick Jared Verse

AJ Schulte

Scouting report for Rams first-round pick Jared Verse image

The Los Angeles Rams have made their first first-round selection since 2016, selecting Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse 19th overall. 

Scouting Report for Rams first-round pick Jared Verse

Strengths

  • Elite explosiveness
  • Elite power
  • Elite competitive
  • toughness
  • Elite motor
  • Very good use of hands
  • Very good quickness
  • Very good ability to set the
  • edge against the run
  • Good block shedding

Weaknesses

  • Average bend
  • Below-average coverage
    ability
  • Aggression can catch him
    out of his gap and missing
    tackles

The leader of a resurgent Florida State defense, Jared Verse’s decision to return to the Seminoles for his final year paid off, earning him a First-Team All-American spot as one of the best pass-rushers in the country. Verse is a classic power-rusher, often opting to simply go through opposing linemen to get to the quarterback. Verse flies off the snap with his elite explosiveness, and his ability to convert speed-to-power overwhelmed opponents routinely. He added a few more pass-rush moves to his arsenal this season, but he needs to continue developing his array of moves and counters to make up for his average bend and length.

Verse is a talented run defender, capable of shedding blocks and knocking linemen back with his use of hands and play strength. He is frenetic in his pursuit of the football with a simply relentless motor. His aggression can catch up to him and leave him out of position to make a play on the ball carrier.

Verse’s game and scheme fit are limited by his average bend turning the corner and below-average coverage ability. Verse is *capable* in these two fields, but they are not strengths of his game and could get taken advantage by opponents. He would be at his best playing with his hand in the dirt but can be moved around the formation. Verse is the best player available at this point of the draft and one of the best pass rushers in recent memory. He is a three-down player early with Pro Bowl and All-Pro upside as his game continues to develop. 

Draft Grade

The Rams stuck to their guns and got the best pass rusher on the board. Some slight concerns about his fit in their front can be overlooked by the fact that he's a tremendously talented and well-rounded pass rusher who will give the Rams' front a talented presence up front to build around for the foreseeable future. This is an easy A. 

 

AJ Schulte

AJ Schulte Photo

AJ Schulte previously was an analyst for Pro Football Network in 2019 before rejoining in September of 2023. He currently resides in Texas and has been producing content since 2018. Prior to his time at PFN, AJ gained experience covering the Denver Broncos with SB Nation’s Mile High Report and as part of the editorial staff with The 33rd Team. He spent time gaining formal scouting experience as part of RPM Data in 2023. AJ holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin and is also working on gaining his certification in Sports Law.