Los Angeles RamsEDGE Jared Verse is the most impressive defensive rookie in the NFL, but I don't know if he's even close. His 20% pass rush win rate is tied with Pittsburgh's TJ Watt, despite being twice as high as 25%. He was 11th league-wide in total pressures as a rookie and sixth in pressure rate among all players with at least 15 pressures this season. He helped elevate a Rams pass rush that looked like it would miss out on Aaron Donald (and still does), and some of the elements that made him my top edge in the 2024 NFL Draft class. Showed.
One of the things I love about Vers is his ability to convert speed into power. He's an explosive player, but he doesn't have that explosiveness when it comes to twisty movements like turning corners. his explosion is power through Offensive tackle who uses his length and burst to cause problems. This was evident against Seattle, where he was constantly creating pressure and converting that pressure into sacks on himself and his teammates.
he is standing opposite seahawksLT Charles Cross, very good. He's out of stance a little bit, but notice the power he generates here. it doesn't matter. He walked Cross and forced an errant throw from QB Geno Smith. Seems pretty good to me.
His speed to power helped generate more sacks for teammate Byron Young as well. He made a good tackle with a slow step and set the tackle on track. Then he leans forward, puts his hands on his chest, and walks backwards like a blocking sled. Smith is forced to step up and Young finishes it off with a sack. Barth's speed to power is already deadly.
The Seahawks knew what a threat he was and got a double by the cross and running back on play action during his sack. He knocks the cross back to the RB, who wastes the cross and puts it on the ground. He then swam alongside Charbonnet, and Vaas quickly found himself on top of Geno Smith. He was the straw that stirred the drink for the Rams' pass rush, which was quietly the most impressive part of that defense.
The Rams are still in contention for the NFC playoffs and have already won. 49ersVikings and Seahawks. Their ability to create a pass rush combined with the heroics of QB Matthew Stafford and others. If they make it to the postseason, they will be a dangerous team offensively. It's the same formula as last year, but instead of Aaron Donald taking the lead, Verse will be the one taking the lead.
The Rams are miami dolphins You better believe that when Miami has the ball on Monday night, all eyes will be on Verse.
