Rams Draft Pass Rusher with Will Anderson, Brian Burns Similarities in Latest Mock
The Los Angeles Rams' trade deadline pursuit of Carolina Panthers pass rusher Brian Burns two years ago continues to shape the team's perceived interests.
Los Angeles, which offered a trade package headlined by a pair of first-round picks but ultimately saw Carolina retain Burns' services, has now been linked to a pass rusher in a similar mold: Florida State's Jared Verse.
The Athletic released its latest post-NFL Combine mock draft Tuesday and had the Rams selecting Verse at No. 19 overall.
Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium.
Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
"Two years after missing out on a trade for Brian Burns, the Rams could turn to a different former Seminoles pass rusher," The Athletic writes. "Verse is a power-based defender who competes with the energy that would make him an easy sell in the Rams’ war room."
Burns isn't the only player who Verse has been named alongside, as The Athletic also compared his measurables and numbers to Houston Texans star and reigning defensive player of the year Will Anderson.
Verse checked in at 6-3 7/8 and 254 pounds with 33 1/2-inch arms. Anderson, for reference, was listed at 6-3 1/2 and 253 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms. Both players ran a 4.60 40-yard dash.
Burns is slightly taller yet lighter than both at 6-5 1/8 and 250 pounds. He has 33 7/8-inch arms and clocked a 4.53 40-yard dash.
Anderson had seven sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a rookie en route to a Pro Bowl nod. Burns logged eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss and is a two-time Pro Bowler in his own right.
If Los Angeles, which tied for 23rd league-wide in sacks with 41 last season, received similar production from Verse, its defensive line could reach new heights.
With Verse and soon-to-be second-year outside linebacker Byron Young rushing from the perimeter and the duo of Aaron Donald and Kobie Turner creating pressure inside, the Rams' defensive front would have the personnel to create headaches for opposing offensive lines.
But for now, it's merely an idea - though it's one that should be enticing for the Rams.
