The Los Angeles Rams have what looks like a certifiable draft hit. The 19th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Jared Verse wasted no time making his impression on the league. Not only do his 28 pressures not only lead all rookies, but he is currently fourth among all defenders. This has vaulted him to the top of the odds for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
But even the most dominant performers hit snags. Verse hit the first of his career midway through the Rams’ practices heading into their game against the Buffalo Bills. On Thursday Verse unexpectedly cropped up on the injury report and was limited on both Thursday and Friday.
Verse Questionable For Rams vs. Bills
He is currently listed as questionable and head coach Sean McVay said he expects him to play against the 10-2 Bills.
But even a limited Jared Verse could be detrimental to the offense. From a pure pressure perspective, his absence would be felt. The Rams are 14th in the league with 105 pressures. Without Verse, they would have 77 this year, or the third-fewest in the league.
But Verse contributes much more than just quarterback pressure. He also helps set the edge in rush defense – against the Bills, this is even more important with Josh Allen’s ability to create outside the pocket. Verse also leads the team and has the ninth most stops in the league with 28.
The Rams already struggle against running teams, with Verse out or limited due to his ankle injury both facets of the Bills offense could flourish.
Their next best pass rushers are both interior defensive linemen. Both Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske are good pass rushers, but given their positions cannot contain Allen from finding seams on the wider gaps.
While he is expected to play, it serves as a good reminder that the Rams have been exceedingly healthy along the defensive line and their team-building strategy relies heavily on that happening at the position.
