Jared Verse to LA as Rams Select Florida State EDGE 19th Overall

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With the start of the NFL Draft, the buzz was high for a trio of Florida State Seminoles that were gaining attention and consideration to hear their name called on Thursday night in the first round of the Draft. The wait was a bit longer than some expected but with the 19th overall selection, Jared Verse heard his name called by Commissioner Roger Goodell as the selection of the Los Angeles Rams

With the selection of Verse, Florida State extends its streak to 41 consecutive NFL Drafts with at least one player selected. The streak began in 1984 with another defensive end, Alphonso Carreker hearing his name called with the 12th overall selection. The streak is the eighth-longest active streak in the nation. It is also the second first-round selection the Seminoles have had under coach Mike Norvell and the 47th first-round selection in school history. Verse is the highest-drafted player from Florida State since Brian Burns in 2019. He is also the 33rd top-20 selection in program history.

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Verse played two seasons in Tallahassee after transferring from the University of Albany. During his two seasons with the Seminoles, he earned All-American honors both seasons and finished with 89 tackles and 30 tackles for loss while making 22 starts in 25 career games for the Seminoles. Verse finished the 2023 season with 41 tackles, 12.5 for a loss, and a team-high nine sacks. He also showcased his athletic ability to have three pass breakups a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked extra point on the season.

For the Rams, it marks a new beginning. This offseason, the Rams saw all-pro Aaron Donald retire, creating a need for the organization to reload on the defensive side of the ball. Assuming the Rams continue to use a base defense with three linemen and four linebackers, known as a 3-4, Verse will be tasked with coverage assignments. The benefit for the Rams is that Verse has the athletic ability and the physicality to be an every-down player who can attack the line of scrimmage and wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Draft grade - A. Verse is a day-one starter and arguably the top edge rusher in this draft. The Rams got superb value with Verse falling to them at 19. He's been productive at Albany and Florida State. Rams fans have a great one to cheer for after Donald's retirement. Verse is a force on defense and has an arsenal of moves to win repeatedly against offenses.