The Florida State edge rusher could be the man who fixes the Cardinals lack of pass rush.
Over the next couple of weeks, leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft we will take a look at close to 30 prospects to know.
Within that, we will use the excellent work of Dane Brugler, who has just released his “The Beast” 2024 NFL Draft Guide. I highly recommend taking a peek and signing up for The Athletic if only to get Dane’s guide.
It is always an exhaustive work, and he should be commended.
With that said, we will go in order of Dane’s Big Board and use his final analysis as the wrap up of each prospect.
Next up is Dane’s 20th ranked player, Florida State edge Jared Verse, who could be the answer to the Arizona Cardinals pass rush needs.
Dane’s Take:
A two-year starter at Florida State, Verse played the “FOX” edge rusher role in defensive coordinator Adam Fuller’s 4 -3 base scheme, standing up and rushing with his hand on the ground. After receiving only one scholarship offer (Albany), he developed into one of college football’s best edge rushers, collecting 29 tackles for loss and 18 sacks in his 25 games in Tallahassee.
One of the biggest compliments you can give Verse is he moved up in competition and didn’t drop off in production. That says something about the player.
As a pass rusher, Verse can win with speed or power and flashes violence in his hands to break down the rhythm of blockers. He sets a physical edge in the run game and is always around the football, because of his awareness, effort and fierce play personality.
Verse has shown he is just as good in the run game as he is rushing the passer, and his intensity will make him a fan favorite.
Overall, when he channels his relentless energy, Verse is as disruptive as anyone in this class, because of his explosive get-off, power through his frame and NFL-quality hand use. His physical traits and competitive football temperament give him a high floor as an NFL starter (reminiscent of eight-year NFL veteran Dante Fowler).
People will look at this comparison and say… not good enough. Yet, Fowler in his prime with the Rams would have been the best pass rusher on the Cardinals roster. If Verse can get to that ceiling, he could be an excellent player.
Next up… Laiatu Latu.
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