Architect of Stafford trade proclaims Rams Verse/Fiske haul 'dream scenario'

It takes a village . . .

The need to somehow make up for the absence of Aaron Donald in 2024 is not something that any one player can take on individually. Even the greatest pass rushers of the modern NFL have the advantage of chasing quarterbacks off the edge, limiting the offensive line from opposing teams in regards to double teaming that player to an offensive tackle and tight end, or perhaps a stout running back. So the coaches and front office could not simply 'sign a guy,' from the 2024 NFL Free Agency market in the hopes of compensating the team's pass rush.

But the team could sign multiple players, or rather select them in the 2024 NFL Draft, and not only add the players themselves, but add their NCAA chemistry. The most obvious tandem who not only possessed the individual talents to start in the NFL, but whose collegiate chemistry would make them a force to be reckoned with, was clearly Florida State Seminoles OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske.

But adding both Seminoles defensive stars would be nothing short of a miraculous draft. After all, the Rams top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were at the 19th overall pick, followed by the 52nd overall pick. That meant that from the time the Rams selected the first of two Seminoles to the roster, they would be at the mercy of 32 other selections before they had a chance to select the other player and complete the set.

Still, the strategy was sound. More than sound, it was inspired. No single player can hope to manufacture what Aaron Donald delivered day in and day out for this defense. But a pair of highly productive college teammates could certainly place a dent in the defense's Donald-deficit.

And even NFL Insiders and analysts who understand the inner workings of professional football sat up and took notice:

This was more than an emotional reunion on draft day. This was a pair of high achievers who take their jobs in the NFL so seriously that they arrive before anyone to study opponents as part of a defensive breakfast club. It is common knowledge that the Rams offense has a breakfast club in which QB Matthew Stafford and WR Cooper Kupp review video footage together.

Now, the Rams defense could boast their own breakfast club for the 2024 NFL season. That is certainly a very positive development.