The LA Rams worst kept secret is about to become the NFL's worst case scenario

Jared Verse already favored on DROY watch list, for good reason

It's okay for Rams fans to underestimate exactly who this team added in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was the first time that fans have had cause to celebrate a first-round talent addition to the roster since the team had drafted QB Jared Goff with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

And eight years waiting to return to Day 1 of an NFL draft is a long time to wait.

But there is more to former Florida State Seminoles outside linebacker Jared Verse than meets the eye. Not only did the Rams make their first Round 1 selection in eight years, but Jared Verse was never supposed to be on the board when the team stepped up to make their 19th overall pick.

No matter which online NFL Mock Draft application I used, I could never get Jared Verse to fall to the Rams at 19. UCLA Edge Laiatu Latu might fall, which I attributed to his injury history. Alabama Edge Dallas Turner might fall, which I decided was because he was viewed as the third-best of three edge rushers. Jared Verse in almost every draft profile written had two qualities that others did not.

First of all, he was the most well-rounded and refined outside linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He had a body of work that was more than sacking opposing quarterbacks. He had example after example of taking on blockers to turn a play in, or to free up a teammate to make the play. But even more impressive was his power. But it's not just deadlift power. He has an explosive burst that rocks offensive linemen and puts them on their heels, even if they are much larger.

And he has that type of incredible energy-level that run high and hot, never letting up until the final whistle is blown. And that is the type of player who the Rams so desperately needed to add in 2024.