Rams start rebuilding defense without Aaron Donald by picking Florida State star Jared Verse
Published in Football
LOS ANGELES — The Rams opened the 2024 NFL draft by addressing their defensive line, selecting Florida State’s Jared Verse with the 19th pick of the first round.
Jared Verse — Edge
— 6 feet 4, 254 pounds, Florida State, Round 1, Pick 19
— Notable: Verse played two seasons at Albany before transferring to Florida State. He amassed 31 1/2 sacks during his career, including 18 at Florida State. In 2023, he had at least two sacks in four games, including 2½ against Florida.
— Last season: Verse had nine sacks and 1 1/2 tackles for losses in 13 games for the Seminoles. He was an AFCA All-American.
— Why the Rams drafted him: Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald’s retirement left a gaping hole in a pass rush that already was in need of reinforcements. Tackle Kobie Turner and edge rusher Byron Young showed promise last season as rookies but — for the Rams to compete for a Super Bowl title — new defensive coordinator Chris Shula needs more players who can consistently pressure quarterbacks.
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