Turf Show Times
Jared Verse is already a top-10 edge rusher according to NFL executives
The period between OTAs and training camp typically becomes a time in which media outlets release player position rankings among others. While some of the rankings can be taken with a grain of salt, it is also a good indicator of how players are viewed around the NFL. That’s especially the case when those rankings come from league executives, coaches, and scouts.
Last season, Los Angeles Rams rookie edge rusher Jared Verse won the Defensive Rookie of the Year. Verse only finished with 4.5 sacks, but his impact on games and the pressure numbers were evident. According to Brandon Thorn of the Trench Warfare Substack, Verse finished with 34 high quality pressures which trailed just Myles Garrett.
Still, despite Verse winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year and showing periods of dominance from a strength perspective, it may take another season for those around the NFL to catch on.
ESPN’s Seth Walder surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to get a top-10 at each position. Coming in at number 10 for edge rushers was Verse. Said one executive, “He’s a man. Very unique strength.”
However, not every personnel executive felt that way. Said another,
“It’s not that he’s not ascending into a premier rusher, but he’s not ahead of some of the others who are more productive or better run players right now.
As mentioned, some around the NFL want young players to earn their place more and that seems to be the case with this specific executive. Verse was the only rookie on the list, but Chop Robinson was among those that ‘received votes.’ The full list was:
An argument can be made that Verse should be above Hunter, but overall, this seems like a fair ranking. With another strong season and more improvements to his game, Verse could move into the top-seven next year. Last year, he was primarily a power rusher. If Verse adds some more variety, he will become even more of a problem for offensive tackles
