The Los Angeles addressed their defensive line in the 2024 NFL Draft by taking four prospects who can all step in and contribute immediately.
Jared Verse and Braden Fiske are projected to start on day one of the 2024 season, while Brennan Jackson and Tyler Davis will compete for rotational roles. Jackson, in particular, could see snaps sooner than Davis because of his ability to rush the passer on third down.
While all the excitement revolves around the rookies, it would be important not to forget the veterans on the roster. For example, Bobby Brown III is entering his fifth year and with Aaron Donald retired should see a larger role on the defense.
Brown understands he’ll be given more opportunities to play and he explained his approach to preparing for the upcoming season, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“Just being hard on myself, being more detailed,” Brown told theRams.com about his preparation for the upcoming season. “But as far as I how feel, I don’t feel no type of way. Pressure makes diamonds.”
Brown has largely been used on first and second down as a run stopper, but is looking forward to playing more on third down and pass rushing:
“I’ve been more of a run-stuff guy since I got to college, even though I had five sacks my last year,” Brown said. “Once I got here, I haven’t played a third down to rush the passer. So now it’s just a whole different world, being able to play my game going to a different world I haven’t played in awhile, but it’s fun.”
Last season, Brown recorded a career-high with 31 total tackles and also collected 0.5 sacks, though those numbers are expected to go up in 2024. Brown was forced to miss four games in 2023 due to a knee injury, but by all accounts is healthy and should be a constant in the lineup assuming good health.
Brown is set to hit free agency next offseason and could earn himself another contract from the Rams or another team if he has a strong year. With so much at stake for his career, it’ll be interesting to see if Brown can capitalize on his elevated role.
Jared Verse will continue being vocal and bringing energy to Rams
Jared Verse has been impressing his Rams teammates and coaches during his first OTAs period and said that he’ll continue to be vocal and bring energy to the team.
