Jared Verse
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Byron Young #0 and Jared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrate a sack during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams have no shortage of confidence in their young defensive core, but it’s difficult to discuss them without mentioning Jared Verse.
According to a bold prediction from a “rival executive,” defensive end Verse will not only build off his stellar rookie campaign — he could be the best defensive player in the NFL this season.
“Here’s a fun, bold prediction,” The Athletic’s Jeff Howe said. “One rival executive predicted Rams defensive end Jared Verse would be the league’s best defensive player this season. The 2024 first-round pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year was more disruptive than his 4.5 sacks would suggest, and the young and improving Rams defense might have another star on its hands.”
Verse, the 2024 first-round pick, made an immediate impact in Los Angeles. His 4.5 sacks only tell part of the story. He was constantly disruptive, collapsing pockets, drawing extra blockers, and setting the tone for a Rams defense that overachieved in 2024. The ceiling is sky-high, and his second year could be when everything clicks.
Jared Verse Ready To Take NFL By Storm In Year 2
Verse has already turned heads this summer during the Rams’ dress rehearsal. The word around camp is that he looks faster, stronger, and meaner than he did as a rookie. Coaches have praised his motor, and teammates have noted that he’s been impossible to block in one-on-one drills.
One reporter summed it up best: “Jared Verse…Holy. He’s out for blood.” That mentality is exactly what has executives around the league buzzing about his breakout potential. If he plays with that kind of fire every week, he could make the leap from promising rookie to unstoppable star.
Rams Offense Still Finding Its Groove
While the defensive front looked sharp, the Rams’ offense had a few kinks to iron out in the dress rehearsal. Pre-snap miscues and timing issues slowed the rhythm of what should be a balanced attack. Sean McVay made it clear that these are fixable problems, and rest for the starters before Week 1 should help.
The good news: Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua remain healthy heading into the season. With that duo, along with Davante Adams leading the charge, the Rams’ offense has all the tools to rebound once games start counting.
Beyond Verse, the Rams saw two other bright spots in the preseason finale. Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson flashed reliable hands, hauling in contested grabs and moving the chains when called upon.
The Rams’ offense has leaned heavily on its stars in recent years, but depth contributions like these could be vital over the course of a 17-game grind. If Ferguson continues to develop, Los Angeles could have more weapons at its disposal than many anticipated.
The Rams may be entering the season with plenty of doubters, but if Jared Verse delivers on the hype, everything changes. A Defensive Rookie of the Year leap into Defensive Player of the Year territory would put him among the NFL’s true elite.
Pair that kind of defensive dominance with a reloaded offense, and the Rams could once again be in the thick of NFC contention.