Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse was named the 2024 PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Verse becomes the second Rams player to be named the PFWA Rookie of the Year, with the first player being Aaron Donald who won the award in 2014.
The award is voted on by members of the Professional Football Writers of America and is separate from official AP awards that are announced at the NFL Honors show.
Aside from Defensive Rookie of the Year, Verse was named to the PFWA 2024 All-Rookie team alongside Braden Fiske and Jordan Whittington. Verse was also named to the 2024 Pro Bowl roster, the only Rams player to earn a nod.
Following Donald’s retirement, Los Angeles used the No. 19 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Verse who was coming off an impressive collegiate campaign at Florida State University. Verse went on to a have strong rookie campaign with the Rams, leading all rookies in quarterback hits (18), pressures (77) and hurries (56).
Verse also had the second-most tackles for loss (11) and fifth-most sacks (4.5). He was also tied for second in hurries and ranked fourth among all defensive players. Overall, Verse finished the 2024 season with 4.5 sacks, 66 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed while starting 16 games.
It was quite the year from Verse who immediately stepped in and brought life to the defense. Verse was never shy on the field, seen trash talking his opponents and hyping his teammates up after big plays. The rookie played with an edge and competitive fire that permeated throughout the rest of the defense and the group got better throughout the regular season as a result.
Verse seemed to elevate the entire defensive line as Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Braden Fiske and even Michael Hoecht had strong seasons playing alongside each other. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula also deserves credit for being able to put the young group in positions to succeed in just his first year in the role.
While Los Angeles lost to the Philadephia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round, Verse’s play on the field gave the organization and its fanbase optimism that the team has its next defensive superstar.
Jared Verse sends strong message following playoff loss to Eagles
Jared Verse put up massive numbers against the Eagles, recording four total tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. Following the loss, Verse sent a strong message about his desire never to feel the same way he did.
