Rams rookie OLB Jared Verse was built to dominate in the NFL Playoffs

When the LA Rams selected Florida State outside linebacker Jared Verse in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 19th overall pick, the team understood that Verse was the type of player who would instantly deliver in this offense. Unlike many rookies who arrive to the NFL and presume that all they need to do to earn playing time and a hefty second contract is to sack opposing quarterbacks, Verse arrived fully-prepared to check all of the boxes for a true NFL edge rusher. He sets the edge, sheds blockers, pressures opposing quarterbacks, stuffs the run, and even drops back into pass coverage.

He is a rookie whose passion compels him to do everything with gusto.

This young Rams defense needed Verse to check all of the boxes. After all, this is the first season for DC Chris Shula. Shual has football DNA, the grandson of legendary NFL coach Don Shula. But even the savviest NFL coaches need time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of his players, and his scheme. The early part of the season could best be described as a work-in progress for the defense. Much like preseason, it's premature to toss in wrinkles, stunts, and blitz packages before creating a baseline of what the defense can do.

Now, as the team enters the postseason, it's time to take this defense up a notch.

Verse has an untapped overdrive that will show up now

Jared Verse is a trash-talker on the football field. He taunts his opponents to bring out the best of their competitive spirit. Why does he do that? Well, it falls to reason that he cannot become the best version of himself until he faces the best that the NFL has to offer. Verse has been captured on video welcoming double teams, acknowledging that until he faces double team blocking, he cannot improve himself to the point of thwarting double teams.

Jared Verse showed up in 17 games and started all but Week 18. In 834 defensive snaps, Verse recorded 66 tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, 18 quarterback hits, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 33 quarterback pressures. Per his 2024 Pro Football Focus grade, Verse was an outstanding NFL player right out of the gates. But best of all, he was controlled chaos at the line of scrimmage.

I suspect that he will be let off his leash in the Wild Card Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

If you recall, Verse was a wrecking ball against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. If you recall, after Rams safety Kamren Curl was injured at SoFi Stadium, visiting VIkings fans cheered disrespectfully. In the past, it would have ended there. But Vikings fans outraged Jared Verse, who proceeded to get 1.5 quarterback sacks, and celebrated by using the Vikings' fans' own SKOL chant against them.

It was a moment that revealed Jared Verse to the entire NFL. SoFi Stadium was no longer a safe harbor for visiting fans to do whatever they pleased. It also showed what a difference Verse can make in a game. Now, as the playoffs arrive, he has every reason in the world to up his game. Not just in response to unruly fans, but for the entire Los Angeles community.

Jared Verse is a passionate player with unstoppable resolve and power. While many Rams players will have a keen edge to face the Vikings, Verse was built for this level of play. He has spent the entire 2024 NFL season taunting opponents to give him their best. Now, as the LA Rams need someone to step up, he is about to show his opponents his best. This is going to be good.

As always, thanks for reading.

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