Jared Verse NFL Draft Overview
Jared Verse has one of the most intriguing stories in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now a Florida State Seminole, Verse finds himself firmly in the first-round conversation. However, the NFL seemed like just a dream not too long ago. Before spending his final two college seasons in Tallahassee, Verse was a Great Dane. He was at the University of Albany, an FCS school in upstate New York. When the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world to a standstill, Verse refused to stop. He took full advantage of all that extra free time.
"Jared Verse gives me shades of Aidan Hutchinson." 💪
Charles Davis on FSU's DE who can do it all ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/NncdqO2lV2
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) March 23, 2024
The superstardom of Jared Verse was born in his father’s garage. With the help of some workout equipment and an ungodly amount of protein, Verse bulked up. He now weighed 240 pounds and had a breakout season at Albany. After transferring to Florida State in 2022, Verse took the college football world by storm. In his very first game against LSU, he was dominant. Whenever Florida State had a big game in front of them, Verse took over. After star quarterback Jordan Travis went down, Verse became a man-possessed in two key wins for the Seminoles.
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’3” 3/8 (Verified)
Weight: 254 Pounds (Verified)
School: Florida State
2024 NFL Draft: Jared Verse Scouting Report
Strengths
- Great first step
- Dominant even after a jump in competition
- Fantastic speed-to-power combo
- Powerful player who routinely gets in tackles’ chest
- Elite speed for the position
- Has a pass-rush plan and does not rely solely on athleticism
- Powerful, heavy hands
- Great open field tackler and run defender
Weaknesses
- Not as bendy as a prototypical elite pass rusher
- Older prospect, will be 23 on draft day
- Arms are below 50th percentile in length
- May need to add weight to be a true hand-in-the-dirt edge rusher at the next level
NFL Comparison: Jadeveon Clowney
Projection: Top 20 pick
Best Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints
Bottom Line on Jared Verse
Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse is a prospect who could have come out for the 2023 NFL Draft. Verse likely would have gone in the top ten. However, he decided to return for another season of college football. In two seasons at the FBS level, he totaled 29.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks. Verse has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft and has a chance to be the first pass rusher off the board. He will be competing with players like Dallas Turner and Laiatu Latu for that first spot.
Florida State DE/OLB Jared Verse
I think pro coaches will really like his play style. Effort, urgency. Field awareness/rush technique. Can get on the edges with speed/win with power (below). Fits multiple NFL fronts. pic.twitter.com/tfKZaH8To4
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 19, 2024
What stands out immediately about Verse is his athleticism, especially his speed. He showed out at the NFL combine last month, scoring over 90th percentile in both the 40-yard dash and broad jump drills. While he is an older prospect, Verse’s athletic ability gives him a ton of upside. He is also already an incredibly productive player who has been lauded as a team leader. He is currently projected to be a mid-to-late first-rounder and could very well be the first player taken at his position.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
