This Rams rookie makes a strong case for DROY, but one thing is missing

When the LA Rams finally committed to selecting Florida State rookie OLB prospect Jared Verse in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft with the team's 19th overall pick, it was both gratifying and surprising. In many mock drafts created up to this point, Verse was always among the top 10 picks in the draft. But thanks to the abundance of quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive linemen on the draft board, Verse fell to the team at 19 years old. It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise as he was considered by many draft scouts to be the best overall rusher available.

Now, after playing six games this season, Verse is putting his full potential into production. Well, at least as far as quarterback pressure is concerned:

The thing is, however, that Verses is not alone. While the Rams' young corps of pass rushers is still finding the range on quarterback sacks, this group is excellent at causing havoc in the pocket and forcing quarterbacks to rush their throws. In fact, the Rams' pass rushers aren't just performing well in the rookie class of 2024. Compared to established veterans in the NFL, this group has performed quite well so far.

That includes OLB Jared verseOLB Byron Young and DT Braden Fiske:

The only problem is that the Rams defense has only recorded 11 quarterback sacks in six games. That equates to less than two sacks per game. And Jared Verse, despite his phenomenal speed in pressuring the quarterback, only has one sack so far this season.

Of course, if you want to be objective, you have to understand that two of Verse's sacks came off the board due to defensive penalties from his teammates. So his total doesn't reflect how effectively he influenced games.

But DROY is not as objective as we would like. Going into 2023, we know that NT Kobie Turner was the clear front-runner for the DROY award. But Houston Texans rookie OLB Will Anderson walked away with the win. So it's not just about production, but also about perception and projections.

At the moment, the LA Rams, at 2-4, don't place much emphasis on honoring any player on the roster. And despite his relentless pressure, just 1.0 quarterback sacks for Jared Verse doesn't force DROY voters to write his name. But the season is still quite young and there are still 11 games left. When Jared verse continues his quest to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbackshe will amass more than enough evidence to earn DROY honors this season.

And he could help the team win some games too.

Thanks for reading.