The Los Angeles Rams announced they signed rookie defensive lineman Jared Verse to his rookie-scale contract, making him the final member of their 2024 NFL Draft class to sign.
By virtue of being a first-round pick, Verse will have the first four years of his contract guaranteed and will also have a fifth-year team option that the Rams can choose to exercise. He also received a signing bonus as part of the deal.
Los Angeles most recently signed safety Kamren Kinchens and Brennan Jackson, who were third and fifth-round selections, respectively.
Verse fell into the Rams’ lap during Day 1 of the draft after an unprecedented run of 14 offensive players were taken to begin the evening. Verse was the fourth defensive player taken after Laiatu Latu, Byron Murphy II and Dallas Turner were selected by the Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
There were initial reports that Los Angeles was trying to get into the top-10 to select an offensive player, but they ended up standing pat and taking Verse, who fills a huge need along their defensive line. Heading into the draft, edge rusher was a critical need and Los Angeles got arguably one of the best prospects in the draft in Verse who’s got both size, power and speed in his favor.
With Aaron Donald retiring about a month before the draft, Los Angeles knew it needed to get more talent upfront so the team also traded up in the second round to pair Verse with his Florida State teammate Braden Fiske. The pair is now expected to serve as the foundation of the pass rush next to Byron Young and Kobie Turner.
With all the members of their draft class now under contract, the team can focus on its preparation for the upcoming 2024 season. Despite their relative youth and inexperience, the Rams are still projected to be a playoff contender given the veteran talent and coaching in the organization.
Verse will play a critical role for the team in the short and long-term and it’ll be interesting to see which members of this draft class step up alongside him.
Tyler Davis excited to team with Jared Verse and Braden Fiske on Rams
The Rams knew they needed to add depth to their defensive line which is why they also selected Clemson defensive tackle Tyler Davis in the sixth-round of the draft. Shortly after getting drafted, Davis acknowledged he was excited to team up with Verse and Fiske.
