The Rams entered Tuesday with only one draftee yet to sign his rookie deal. First-rounder Jared Verse is now on the books, however, per a team announcement. 
2024 marked the first season of the Sean McVay era in which the Rams made a selection in the first round. Los Angeles was connected to a move up the board aimed at adding an offensive contributor. In particular, tight end Brock Bowers was a target, but no agreement was reached on that front. That left the team in position to bring in help on the other side of the ball.
Remaining in place at No. 19 in the draft order, the Rams added Verse as one of five edge rushers selected on Day 1. Two prospects – Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner – were drafted slightly ahead of Verse at No. 15 and 17, respectively. The latter should nevertheless see plenty of playing time during his rookie campaign. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes this four-year pact (which will contain a fifth-year option for 2028) is worth $15.13MM and includes a $7.83MM signing bonus.
Verse put himself firmly on the first-round radar during his two-year career at Florida State. After transferring from FCS Albany in 2022, he thrived with the Seminoles. Verse totaled 18 sacks and 29 tackles for loss between 2022 and ’23, leading the team in sacks both years. Known for his strong run defense, those totals earned him first-team All-ACC honors as well. A number of teams showed interest in the build-up to the draft.
The Rams’ front seven was dealt a massive blow with Aaron Donald retiring. The future Hall of Famer’s absence will create a notable vacancy along the defensive interior in the pass-rush department and against the run. Verse will look to aid on both fronts along the edge while likely playing opposite Byron Young as a starter. He will have a familiar face alongside him with D-tackle Braden Fiske having been selected by the Rams in the second round.
Here is the final breakdown of Los Angeles’ 2024 draft class:
- Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 154: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State) (signed)