Jared Verse vs. Darius Robinson: Identifying Broncos' Best OLB Fit
The Denver Broncos have a solid edge room, but they're lacking a true game-changer at the position. Denver's room is built with several No. 2-type options, but that wasn't enough to win consistently without blitzing in 2023.
The Broncos need to find that top guy if they want to blitz less, allowing them to play more man coverage. This is an exceptional draft class with great depth among the edge defenders, so let's examine two versatile prospects who could potentially be that guy for the Broncos.
Jared Verse | Florida State
Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 254 pounds
- Arm Length: 33-1/2 inches
- Hands: 9-7/8 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 9.54
Pros
Verse is an explosive edge rusher who wins many of his reps because he fires off the snap quickly. He does well to convert that explosiveness into power and get blockers on their heels. His length is fine but below some standards for the NFL, but it's negated by how quickly he gets into the chest of blockers.
Verse's use of leverage is among the best in the class, and there's plenty of power to control and direct blockers. He can stack those blockers and shed them with relative ease. There are a good number of moves in his arsenal to get after the quarterback, and he can take the inside or outside path.
Verse has enough bend to get around the arch and under blockers, and he never loses sight of the quarterback. The short-area movement skills are there to adjust in pursuit of the quarterback as he maneuvers the pocket. He's one of the better run-defending edges in the draft, where the power and leverage show up consistently on tape.
While you don't want to drop Verse into coverage often, there's enough to work within certain zone drops. He has good instincts and football IQ and quickly and consistently reads plays as they develop. His instincts are exceptional in reacting to plays.
Cons
Verse's length is slightly shorter than what teams want, which is a concern. There are times, primarily against the run, when blockers can get into his chest and control him on the edge. When that happens, he doesn't have the best anchor to drop and hold his ground.
Verse's length can also be a problem with his tackling, as he has a higher-than-ideal missed tackle rate. His tackling technique doesn't help cover up his length concerns. When he goes to wrap up, his feet can get out from beneath him, which takes power away from his tackle attempt.
When facing long-armed and powerful blockers, Verse struggles to handle a strong punch. It slows down his rush before it gets started, and there were too many instances where that killed his rush attempt. The effort, in those situations, did wane at times.
Fit With Broncos
There are some technical issues to clean up with Verse, but he can potentially be a top-edge rusher. What is more, he does well when defending the run.
Yes, Verse has some consistency questions, mostly because of technique, but he would still upgrade the run defense in the edge room for the Broncos.
Big Board Position: No. 21 overall.
Darius Robinson | Missouri
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 285 pounds
- Arm Length: 34-1/2 inches
- Hands: 10-5/8 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.66
Pros
There are no questions about Robinson's size or length. His versatility to play inside and outside is there, and it isn't forced versatility.
Robinson can play either quite well and isn't moved around to find a spot where he can win consistently. His best spot is off the edge, though he can still hold inside. He will likely be an edge player on early downs and move inside in sub-packages and obvious passing situations.
Robinson brings plenty of violence to his pass rush and his run defense. He has plenty of strength and fires off pretty quickly off the snap.
Robinson uses his exceptional length extremely well and rarely lets blockers into his chest. It helps him set the edge with a good anchor to hold the line against the run and drive through blockers as a pass rusher.
Robinson's movement is excellently quick, and his footwork is exceptional, which helps him work inside and shoot gaps as a pass rusher. He can change direction well for size and doesn't slow down when in pursuit. Stacking and shedding come naturally with Robinson.
Cons
Robinson is a bit more reckless, instead of having a thought-out plan when working as a pass rusher. If a blocker can stall that recklessness, Robinson is often stymied in the rep. He has to start having a plan for every snap as a pass rusher and keep himself and his body in control.
While Robinson is a quality run defender, it's mainly off the edge. When working against the run inside, he will struggle to hold up against double teams. Robinson can also get out of position as a run defender due to poor reads, blocking as the play develops, or being overaggressive and leaving a cut lane open.
There isn't a go-to pass rush move in Robinson's arsenal, and overall, the tool chest is pretty barren. He will need to develop those moves, as being a reckless rusher relying on power and athleticism won't work in the NFL as it did in college. Robinson must also develop counters and improve his ability to attack the inside and outside path to be less predictable as a rusher.
Fit With Broncos
Robinson would be an exceptional fit for the Broncos, giving them a versatile piece on their defensive front. It could create some good NASCAR packages for obvious passing situations while giving the Broncos a reliable run defender off the edge, which they lack.
While giving position-versatile players to Vance Joseph is a concern, it shouldn't be with Robinson, as the way you use him is obvious, and he should always be on the attack.
Big Board Position: No. 23 overall.
Better Fit for Broncos
Either of these guys would do. They both can be exceptional fits for the Broncos and improve key areas they need.
Robinson is the better fit for the Broncos because he can solve two problems simultaneously. He would give the Broncos a high-quality run defender off the edge while giving them an interior pass rusher in passing situations. Robinson has a bit more versatility than Verse.
Verse is a great fit, too, and can help the run defense off the edge and potentially be a top guy. However, the Broncos would still need some help with their ability to generate pressure inside.
Verse would keep one of Denver's current pass rushers off the field, unlike Robinson. Verse's lack of interior versatility leads to less creative pressure packages. However, either would still be a good get for the Broncos.
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