LA Rams have discovered an unlikely successor to legendary DT Aaron Donald

The LA Rams faced impossible odds. Filling the void created when All-Pro DT Aaron Donald hung up his cleats always looked like Mission Impossible for the Rams' front office. So those connected with the franchise should be thrilled an unlikely replacement for Donald is emerging.

No, it's not rookie defenisve tackle Braden Fiske, despite his recent upturn in performance levels. Nor is it gifted and active Kobie Turner, who continues to build on what was an awesome rookie campaign.

Nobody along the interior is matching what Donald delivered as a 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, but there's a similar force developing on the edge, in the form of rookie Jared Verse.

It sounds counterintuitive to say an edge defender is helping the Rams move on from perhaps the greatest inside pass-rusher in NFL history. Yet, this is less about where players line up and more about the level of disruption created and the amount of attention earned from opposing offenses.

Verse is ticking those boxes the same way Donald used to, even though the 19th player taken in the 2024 draft has yet to post eye-popping statistics.

Jared Verse a constant menace to opponents

A quick look at his underlying numbers simulataneously shows why Verse is a special talent, but also where he has to improve. He's logged just 3.5 sacks, but Verse has generated 22 pressures, nine hurries and nine quarterback knockdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

Finishing pass-rush reps with more splash plays is the priority for Verse. It's what Donald used to do so often. Fortunately, Verse is just 24, so time is on the former Florida State standout's side.

The real measure of Verse's impact isn't how often he's getting home. His value shows up more in the level of attention offenes are paying to him.

Offenes already know to double Rams edge

It didn't take long for offenses to admit they need to double Verse. The emphasis on him showed up for his first sack in the pros, against the Detroit Lions in Week 1.

Although this cinematic angle of the landmark moment doesn't show a double-team, Verse did beat two blockers on the play. He shurgged off a chip by tight end T.J. Hockenson, before swatting left tackle Taylor Decker aside.

A slow-motion view from Ted Nguyen of The Athletic highlighted the Lions rather half-hearted attempts to slow Verse down. Opponents have gotten more serious about doubling No. 8 since.

The problem is a committee approach to blocking Verse isn't working. NFC West rivals the Seattle Seahawks found that out to their cost when they asked running back Zach Charbonnet to help left tackle Charles Cross.

Verse fought through both and still got to Geno Smith

How Verse bettered his blockers revealed the confidence he has in his own rush plan. The 6-foot-4 outside linebacker loves to use his length and quickly gets his hands on a blocker.

Verse will use a long shove with both hands, the way he did against Cross. Then it's not uncommon for the new talisman of the Rams' defense to rely on a swat-and-swim move, like when he got an arm over Charbonnet.

It's a bit of a misnomer that the premier pass-rushers in the game have a wide variety of ways for getting after quarterbacks. The truth is the greats usually only rely on a move or two they have developed into a sweet science.

Verse is well on his way to a combinaton set to serve him well for years. He'll also be served by the strength of the front seven around him.

Rams are loaded up front in post-Aaron Donald era

The post-Donald plan isn't all about Verse. He's receiving ample help from this year's second-round pick Fiske.

This burgeoning duo is "on pace to record 136 combined pressures," per Los Angeles Rams PR.

Both rookies have wasted no time taking the big league by storm, but their jobs have been made easier by Turner. The latter has an impressive 30 pressures to his credit, according to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports. Like Verse and Fiske, Turner is benefitting from the aggressive, creative pressure schemes favored by defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Hardly anyone is talking about it, but Shula and the Rams are quietly building a formidable defensive front. The group is underpinned by natural talent and the fearless bravado of youth.

While there's no Donald, Verse is the new leader and tone-setter of a core of disruptors set to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Thanks for reading.

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