HERMOSA BEACH – The Rams finally ended their streak of no first-round picks, selecting Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse 19th overall on the first night of the NFL Draft THURSDAY.
Verse, 23, is the prototypical build of a 6-foot-4 edge rusher with a 79.5-inch wingspan. He had nine sacks in consecutive seasons in 2022 and 2023, and adds to a core on the defensive front that includes outside linebacker Byron Young and defensive tackle Kobie Turner.
General manager Les Snead talked Tuesday about keeping all of the Rams’ options open, whether it’s staying put or moving up or down in the draft. The Athletic reported Thursday that the Rams were inquiring about the cost of moving into the top 10.
But as the draft unfolded, things went the Rams’ way. With six quarterbacks in the first 12 picks and no defensive players selected before 15th overall, the Rams had an opportunity to take one of the best passers in the draft, who will have the opportunity to contribute immediately as a rookie. .
Verse, the Rams’ first first-round selection since Jared Goff in 2016, should be a good starter crop alongside Turner and Young. Like last year’s third-round picks, Verse began his college career below the FBS level, playing three seasons with Albany before earning his opportunity with Florida State.
Once he arrived in Tallahassee, Verse earned two Associated Press second-team All-American honors during his two years with the Seminoles. He is known for his strength and energy in pass-rushing situations, with 61 pressures over the past two seasons according to Pro Football Focus.
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