Experts overwhelmingly pick Jared Verse for Defensive Rookie of the Year

In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the L.A. Rams were going to be faced with some tough decisions.

At pick no. 19, the Rams had a plethora of good options still available to them. To some, it might have seemed like a difficult spot to be in. Certainly, there were fans clamoring for a trade back.

But, the Rams stood their ground and went with the best player on the board, which also happened to fill a gigantic need for this roster.

Snagging pass rusher Jared Verse out of Florida State, the Rams got a guy who many thought could have been labeled as the top at his position in this 2024 class. In a world without Aaron Donald in L.A., now, Verse is looking at a significant opportunity in front of him.

Jared Verse has high expectations, but will also have the opportunity to make good on them

There were a few excellent picks and fits in the first round, but many believe Verse to be one of the best, overall, because of his opportunity at playing time. He'll be able to step right into the top edge rusher spot, and if he takes full advantage, the Rams could be seeing big things out of the first rounder.

In a recent piece done by a variety of experts and analysts over at ESPN, many made their picks for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rams fans will be happy to know that a good chunk of them selected Verse to bring home the hardware.

Here are a few of the comments from each expert that picked Verse to win the award:

Stephania Bell:

"Verse comes ready-made to slot right into the Rams' front seven. He is talented and powerful, and the Rams' defense needed an edge rusher who could make an immediate impact. Verse recorded a team-leading 18 sacks and 83 pressures in the past two seasons at Florida State."

Jeremy Fowler:

"Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner got most of the bump as top pass-rushers, but Verse is a unique player with serious power. In the post-Aaron Donald era, Verse could become the face of the Rams' defense."

Eric Moody:

"He showcased his talent during his final collegiate season at Florida State, accumulating 41 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two pass breakups. There was a gap to fill on the Rams' defensive line, and Verse was drafted precisely for that purpose. Verse, who is known for his play strength and speed off the edge, is well positioned to step into this role."

Aaron Schatz:

"Four of the past five DPOY awards have gone to edge rushers, and Verse seems likely to get the most playing time of the top three edge rushers from this year's draft."

Field Yates:

"The Rams needed serious front-seven reinforcements and used the 19th overall pick on the ready-made Verse, whose in-line power and 6-foot-4 length should lead to sack production right out of the gate. Verse is almost 24 years old and is a more refined prospect than many of the other players taken around him in the first round."