NFL poll shows Rams rookie still leads in DROY race, but may need to step up

The NFL loves winners, so it's no wonder that they have gravitated to LA Rams rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse this season. Verse is the epitome of pleasant surprises this season. He is a dominating force on the edge, showcasing an unstoppable bull rush, and heat-seeking pass rush, a run-stuffing edge setter, and even enough of a presence to disrupt passing lanes in his neck of the woods.

And the NFL experts, analysts, reports, and insiders have noticed.

Of course, it's difficult to ignore how effectively Jared Verse has stepped into and up for the Rams' defense in 2024. He has recorded 58 tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks (with at least two others coming off the board due to defensive penalties), 17 quarterback hits, two pass breakups, 11 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 29 quarterback pressures.

Despite fighting through injury, he has played in and started all 14 games for the Rams. And per his 2024 grade from Pro Football Focus, he excels at both run and pass defense.

So it's not wonder that he remains the favorite to land Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 based on the latest poll of NFL executives from 27 NFL teams:

"The 19th overall pick, Verse received 15 votes -- evidence of what a force he has been in the Rams recovery from a 1-4 start to regain control of the NFC West. He has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He leads all rookies in tackles for loss (11) and QB hits (17)."

NFL Insider Tom Pelissero

15 votes out of 27 is a solid showing. But in the NFL, we know all too well that it is a matter of what has he done lately. And to be fair, Verse has not recorded a single quarterback sack for the past five games. That could pose a problem.

Verse has not only been rendered ineffective in his past five games, but he has been limited to two tackles in his past two games. NFL teams seem to have noticed how effective Verse is even as a rookie, and have focused their attention on neutralizing him in their offensive planning. So far, that has resulted in Verse showing up light in the post-game Box Score, while his teammates show up with more production.

Verse is not somebody I expect to fade away as the season draws to a close.

He put up seven tackles and three tackles for a loss in his first meeting against the Arizona Cardinals. And he managed to record four tackles, two tackles for a loss, and 1.0 quarterback sacks in his first matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. I expect that he will put up no less than 3.0 quarterback sacks over the last three games. How do I know? He will see both the Cardinals and Seahawks for the second time this season.

A strong finish for Verse is the coup de grace for a strong rookie season, and will mean that Verse will secure Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. But nothing is a certainty, and there are far too many football games left to play to call any NFL awards race over.

Jared Verse has played hard all season, and has not hesitated to ensure he places his teammates into positions to succeed at his own expense. I can see his teammate returning the favor to elevate Verse's game as the 2024 NFL season closes out.

Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come.

Rams News and Analysis