Rams News: NFL GMs Vote Jared Verse As Defensive Rookie Of The Year

When Aaron Donald announced his retirement at the end of the 2023 season, the Los Angeles Rams were left with a huge void on their defensive line.

The team addressed the position by selecting Florida State teammates Jared Verse and Braden Fiske in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Verse and Fiske were both highly rated college prospects, but no one could have expected them to make as big of an impact as they have so far.

In a recent survey completed by NFL executives and general managers, Verse and Fiske each received votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year, with the former leading the way, via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com:

The 19th overall pick, Verse received 15 votes — evidence of what a force he has been in the Rams’ recovery from a 1-4 start to regain control of the NFC West. He has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He leads all rookies in tackles for loss (11) and QB hits (17).

Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell , who was taken three picks later, finished second with six votes. He has started all 14 games and been credited with 10 pass breakups.

Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (second round, 39th overall) received three votes. Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (second round, 50th) and Texans safety Calen Bullock (third round, 78th) received one each. One executive abstained.

Verse received 15 votes, which led all defensive rookies. Fiske finished third with three votes, trailing only his Rams teammate and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (six).

Verse has been a force on the Rams’ defensive line this season, recording 4.5 sacks, 58 tackles and two forced fumbles in 14 starts. He leads all rookies with 17 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss.

Fiske hasn’t received as much playing time, but is still making a big impact with six sacks, 38 tackles and two forced fumbles in 14 games (six starts).

Both rookies have been instrumental to the Rams’ success this season and will look to keep it going as the team makes a push for the playoffs.

Rams general manager Les Snead praises Jared Verse & Braden Fiske

Rams general manager Les Snead revealed the team’s thought process in drafting Verse and Fiske. “We drafted them to bring an element of disruption from the front four or front five, depending on whether you’re in base, nickel, all those things,” Snead said earlier this month.

“To keep it simple, we drafted them to help us disrupt and I think they’re doing their part in helping us disrupt opposing offenses.”