Los Angeles Rams rookie Jared Verse was named PPF’s Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2024 season.
According to PFF, Verse led all defensive line rookies in their overall grades, pass-rush grade and run-defense grade. Verse was also the overall leader in rookie PFF grades as well as pressures (77).
Verse also stacks up well in PFF’s database, ranking seventh overall amongst rookie edge defenders. He is right behind players like Los Angeles Chargers stars Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, as well as San Francisco’s Nick Bosa. Verse’s 77 pressures are just three behind Nick’s 80 pressures he recorded as a rookie and he would have likely succeeded that number had he played a full allotment of snaps in Week 18 against the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s important to note that PFF’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award is different from the official award the NFL hands out, but it goes to show how dominant Verse was in his first year with the Rams. Verse also named to the Pro Bowl, the first of many assuming he keeps his level of play up going forward.
Other rookies expected to be in the conversation for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year include Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Fellow Los Angeles defensive linemen Braden Fiske also deserves consideration as he recorded 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Verse and Fiske, alongside Kobie Turner and Byron Young, make up a revamped Rams defensive line that lost Aaron Donald this past offseason to retirement. There were legitimate questions how first-time defensive coordinator Chris Shula would be able to generate pressure without Donald, but the new young core has ushered in a new era of pass-rushing.
While Verse is more than deserving of the award, his rookie year isn’t done yet as he and Los Angeles will host the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round of the 2025 playoffs. The Rams beat the Vikings 30-20 earlier this season, though the latter has still been one of the most formidable teams in the league.
If Verse is able to affect the game and get to Sam Darnold, L.A. has an excellent chance to advance and make some noise in the postseason.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford, Jared Verse and Tyler Higbee receive end-of-year team awards for 2024 season
PFF’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award isn’t the only award Verse got as he was also given the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award which is given to the team’s rookie of the year.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford earned the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award which is the Rams’ version of MVP. Lastly, Tyler Higbee received the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award which is given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, ethic and and commitment to teammates.
