Rams breakout star just misses out on ultimate recognition in latest rankings

The Los Angeles Rams have to be pleased with their successful drafting of defensive players in recent drafts. But the crème de la crème of the draft, since hiring Head Coach Sean McVay, could arguably be the selection of Florida State outside linebacker Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Video footage surfaced from the 2024 NFL Draft that indicated Florida State OLB Jared Verse may not have been the first choice for LA. But Fate stepped in, because he was the best choice for this team. The Rams desperately needed to reinforce the defensive front and find new ways to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Verse delivered that, and then some.

Verse was more than a solid pass rusher. He ultimately was honored with the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He is a relentless pass rusher. He is a lightning rod. Most of all, he is the type of teammate who is loyal to a fault, willing to sacrifice his production to free up teammates to make plays.

And now, he is considered to be the 53rd-best player in the NFL of 2025. And even with that lofty perch, you have to wonder if NFL analysts got it right.

It's officially time to buy Jared Verse stock before it's sold out

The Rams are clever, oh so clever. The front office was not content to settle for one rookie from Florida State. The team paid a significant premium to trade up and select Verse's best friend and teammate, DT Braden Fiske, with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Rams paid a steep price to move up from the 52nd to the 39th pick.

The team was not focused on Fiske alone. The Rams' brain trust realized that competing with Fiske throughout training camp and the 2024 regular season would optimize the production of both players. And it worked.

Clearly, NFL powers-that-be were rather impressed with Verse in his rookie season.

Verse debuts in the NFL's Top 100 list. Just to place this into historical perspective, legendary DT Aaron Donald debuted on the NFL's Top 100 list at 92 in 2015. That's high praise indeed.

And yet, he is considered by NFL analysts to be more valuable in NFL circles than veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford

To be honest, he may have been shortchanged.

As a rookie, he focused the ire of the Philadelphia Eagles fans by declaring before the Rams Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs that he didn't like them. But then, he went out and played incredibly well. Lincoln Field is a tough place to play for visiting players. But the 24-year-old is no ordinary player. He incites fans and then fuels his performance off their rage.

He does not back down from a challenge, and he has already earned the respect of many elite offensive tackles. 53rd is a great start for the linebacker. But Rams fans already know, the best is yet to come.

As always, thanks for reading.

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