Jared Verse Has The Ability To Be An Immediate First-Round Contributor For The New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints defensive ends and edge rushers accounted for only 16 sacks, 41 QB hits, and 21 tackles for loss in 2023. As a result, the Saints had the NFL's fourth worst sack total. Considering that DE Carl Granderson was responsible for 8.5 of those sacks, 20 QB hits, and 14 tackles for loss and this lack of production is an even bigger concern.
Cameron Jordan is coming off the least productive campaign since his rookie year with only two sacks and three tackles for loss. Three of Tanoh Kpassagnon's 3.5 sacks came in one game. Payton Turner, a 2021 first-round pick, has played in just 15 of a possible 51 games because of injuries. Isaiah Foskey, a second-round choice last year, did next to nothing in his first year.
As a result of this abysmal production, most expect New Orleans to select an edge rusher in first or second round of the draft for the fourth time in the last seven years. Currently, the Saints have one choice in the first round (14th overall) and one in the second (45th overall).
There is no sure-fire top-5 pick in this class of edge rushers and may not even be one selected in the top 10 picks. However, there is decent enough depth at the position where a team can get a quality player at this position anywhere from the middle of the first round until later into Day 2 selections.
Today's draft profile takes a look at one of the top edge rushers in this year's draft class.
Jared Verse, DE
Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) prepares for a snap against the Pittsburgh Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY
Florida State
6'4" 254-Lbs.
After graduating from Central Columbia High School in central Pennsylvania, Verse would initially star at University of Albany for two years before transferring to Florida State. He was equally dominant with the step up in competition, earning consecutive All-ACC and 1st Team All-American honors both years in the ACC.
In two years with the Seminoles, Verse had nine sacks each season with 17 tackles for loss in 2022 and 12.5 stops for loss last year. He'd go on to showcase impressive athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Verse was among the top performers at his position with a 4.58 40-yard dash, 1.6 second 10-yard split, and 4.44 second 20-yard shuttle. His 35" vertical leap and 10'7" broad jump showed equally impressive explosiveness and agility.
Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Jared Verse (5) tackles Oklahoma Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes (2) during the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY
Verse is perhaps the most well-rounded defensive end in this year's draft. Equally effective as a stand-up rusher or from a traditional defensive lineman stance, he has the skills to be an every down defender early in his NFL career.
An explosive first step and instant acceleration helps Verse gain a crucial advantage over blockers at the snap. Verse combines freakish athletic ability with good strength. He also shows excellent natural bend around the edge to dip under blockers and give himself a leverage advantage.
Verse possesses advanced pass rush moves and counter moves that make him a handful for any blocker from a power or agility standpoint. He uses terrific upper body movement and hand placement to not only set up moves, but to also give him good leverage against the run.
Not just a pass rush specialist, Verse is also a solid run defender with strong upside. His upper body movement allows him to often disengage from blockers quickly and effectively. He also shows excellent instincts and awareness of opposing offenses, allowing him to make big stops through gap recognition.
LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is sacked by Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5). Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Verse doesn't have the prototype size that the Saints normally prefer in their defensive ends. He can have issues with power blockers, especially against the run, where he'll have to set a more powerful anchor.
As a tackler, Verse can take poor angles to the ball, resulting in missed opportunities. Even with his athleticism, he doesn't have great change-of-direction in space. As a result, chasing down mobile quarterbacks can become fortunate anticipation at best and a guessing game at worst.
Jared Verse will certainly be a first-round pick. He's almost sure to come off the board in the first 20 picks and could be the first edge rusher selected. With good reason. Verse has the natural pass rush ability to be a factor right away and the all-around skills to be an immediate starter or every down contributor.
