Florida State EDGE Jared Verse is in the mix to be the first pass rusher selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Verse is an explosive quarterback hunter who possesses the first-step quickness and natural athleticism required to be a consistent sack threat. Verse is a well-developed defender with a versatile pass-rush plan. Verse has a deep bag of pass-rushing moves with counters to boot.
Teams looking for difference-making pass rushers will place Verse near the top of their big board. Verse was steady throughout the 2023 college football campaign, matching his previous year's sack totals with 9.0 quarterback takedowns. The Dayton, Ohio native solidified himself as a first-round selection while performing admirably for an undefeated Seminoles program. Verse achieved what he set out to achieve.
Verse will be an in-demand prospect. With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are probably Verse's draft-day ceiling. Quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and wide receivers are expected to dominate the first half of the draft. Atlanta owns the No. 8 overall selection and may be the first team to draft a defensive prospect.
Atlanta appointed a defensive-minded head coach in Raheem Morris. The Falcons have used three consecutive first-round selections on offensive players. It's time to add blue-chippers to the defense.
The aging duo of Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree, who tied for the team lead in sacks this past season, are both scheduled for unrestricted free agency. A new defensive coordinator (Jimmy Lake) is in place, one that must find long-term solutions to long-lasting pass-rushing woes. Mid-round picks like Zach Harrison and Ade Ogundeji have yet to reach their potential. Verse should garner consideration from the Falcons with the eighth pick.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints recorded a 29th-ranked 34.0 sacks throughout the 2023 campaign. That displeased defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Cameron Jordan isn't going to be around forever. General manager Mickey Loomis has spent a ton of draft capital on the EDGE position in recent years while searching for Jordan's successor, but none of the picks have completely panned out yet.
Allen is entering a make-or-break season after failing to usher the Saints to the postseason in back-to-back campaigns despite competing in a winnable division. The Saints need to locate instant contributors on the defensive side of the ball heading into next season. Pairing Verse with Jordan would instill fear into NFC South quarterbacks.
LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams were more effective rushing the passer last season than anyone expected them to be. Rookie pass rushers Kobie Turner and Byron Young combined for 17.0 sacks. Despite getting immediate contributions from a pair of first-year defenders, the Rams still ranked 24th in the league in sacks with a modest 41.0 quarterback takedowns.
General manager Les Snead should continue investing in defensive line talent. Future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald is nearing the conclusion of his illustrious career. Verse and Young would give the Rams building blocks at the outside linebacker position for years to come.
