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

I: An Aaron Donald understudy

Of course, there is no way that any rookie in 2024 can score high marks in my book on the defensive side of the football unless they understand and appreciate the unmatchable career of now-retired All-Pro DT Aaron Donald. There is no question that Donald has been the inspiration for so many young men who are now playing in the NFL.

And yes, Jared Verse is one of them.

Donald told Jared Verse that he needn't perfect every pass rush move to succeed in the NFL. Rather, it's more important to perfect one or two moves early. At the time, Verse was competing for Syracuse, and he was afforded an opportunity to meet with Aaron Donald via a virtual meeting. Imagine the impact that meeting and picking Aaron Donald's brain must have meant to a young Jared Verse.

While Verse will not have the opportunity to compete alongside Donald this season, you can bet that he carries the memory of Aaron Donald's advice with him every time that he steps onto the football field. And it's that brief connection with the Rams future Hall of Famer that has inspired Verse to become the best version of himself that he can be.

Even as this is a new chapter for the Los Angeles Rams defense, the story continues. By turning the page, this team is allowing a new group of young and vastly talented players to write their own NFL careers. Not all young players will ascend to the highest of heights. In fact, many will not. But elite players will rise through the ranks, Buoyed by athleticism, understanding and appreciation of the game, and fueled by hard work and embracing the grind, they will stand out and surpass our expectations.

Could Jared Verse be such a player? He could indeed. Now we simply have to settle in and enjoy the journey.

As always, thanks for reading.