How pass rusher Jared Verse fits into the Rams defense

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick on Thursday night, giving them a future pass rusher with whom to build their defensive front around post-Aaron Donald.

After the draft, head coach Sean McVay outlined the team’s vision and plan for Verse on defense.

McVay outlines plan for Jared Verse: “That’s yet to be determined… He’ll play outside linebacker in our base defense, he’ll play end. He has the flexibility to slide and push back and play over a guard… .I guess we’ll see. The Florida State tape is pretty encouraging.”

— AJ Schulte (@AJSchulteFB) April 26, 2024

From Verse’s scouting report, which you can find here:

“Verse is a classic power rusher, often choosing to simply get past opposing linemen to get to the quarterback. Verse immediately flies out with his elite explosiveness and ability to routinely turn overwhelmed opponents from speed to power Verse is a classic power rusher, talented run defender, capable of shedding blocks and knocking back linemen with his use of hands and play strength plays, but can be moved through the formation.

The Rams have openly expressed their love for versatility with their pass rushers, and McVay specifically said that Verse has the ability to kick inside on certain looks and play both OLB and defense for their scheme. Their rush package of being able to throw Kobie Turner, Jared Verse, Byron Young and Michael Hoecht at teams is quite intriguing, and certainly gives first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula some more flexibility and will let him get creative with how he uses Verse around the formation .