Here's why rookie Jared Verse can lead 2nd wave of Rams D dominance

Jared Verse embraces the grind and the good that comes with it

Rookie Jared Verse has to feel comfortable with his rookie role on the Rams roster already. Not only was he selected with the team's first Round 1 pick since 2016, but the team traded up to select his teammate from the Florida State Seminoles, Braden Fiske. That is the NFL's version of rolling out the red carpet for a star-studded Hollywood movie premier.

Some players may sit back, soak it all in, and feel as though they've 'made it' in terms of their football success. But unlike some highly touted rookies who struggle to start at the bottom and re-earn their position of prominence, Rams rookie outside linebacker is not here to soak up the sunshine and sign autographs.

He's here to work, and that is exactly how he has approached Rams OTAs so far:

Physical talents can and will only take a football player so far. In the NFL, the most important qualities are: Availability (staying healthy), Attitude (remaining passionate about football), Coachability (taking constructive tips on how to improve) and then physical abilities.

Under former DL Coach Eric Henderson, the mantra of DAWGWORK was more than a rallying cry for rookie defensive linemen. It was the career-changing focus for all Rams rookies. By focusing on the steps to becoming great, and not on the spotlight itself, DAWGWORK forces players to remain attentive to the things that remain under their control.

Even without the tutelage of Coach Henny, Jared Verse embraces all of the DAWGWORK principles naturally and enthusiastically. But will that make a difference. Yes, it will. And it will be a difference maker in the 2024 NFL season in these ways: