Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the month for September, the league announced on Thursday.
Verse had a strong start to his rookie campaign as he is tied for fifth in tackles for loss (5) and tied for ninth in quarterback pressures (12). Verse also currently owns the sixth-highest pressure rate in the league at 18 percent.
In total, Verse has recorded 19 tackles and one sack through four games. The rookie pass rusher is currently fifth on the team in tackles, though his four quarterback hits leads the group.
The Rams took Verse No. 19 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes of nailing down a franchise pass rusher and it looks like they did just that. Verse has been great at getting off the edge quickly and winning in one-on-one situations, though he has left some production on the table as he hasn’t been able to finish as many plays as Los Angeles would like him to.
The pressure rate is encouraging to see from Verse as he was one of the best overall pass rushers in his draft class. A versatile piece off the edge, he can win in passing down situations either with his raw strength or speed which has already caused some issues for opposing offenses.
Unfortunately, Verse’s play has been overshadowed a bit by the fact that the team overall has struggled to limit teams from scoring as the Rams have been susceptible to giving up consistent chunk yards on runs and explosives through the air.
First-time defense coordinator Chris Shula has done well to give Verse and the rest of the defensive line opportunities to get pressure up front, but the linebackers and secondary often times struggle to take advantage. Perhaps this should have been more expected after dealing away Ernest Jones in the offseason and working with a banged up secondary, but the results have still been tough to watch.
Regardless, though, it’s good see Los Angeles seeing so much production and growth from a key piece like Verse so early on and it’ll be exciting to see how much better he gets over the rest of the regular season.
Jared Verse and Braden Fiske led rookies in quarterback pressures after three weeks of 2024 NFL season
The Rams invested heavily in their defensive line during the 2024 NFL Draft as they also took Braden Fiske to pair with Verse. The two starred together at Florida State and are bringing that same level of havoc back as they led all rookies in totals pressures after three weeks of the 2024 season.
