The Los Angeles Rams’ young star Jared Verse has quickly built a reputation for his relentless motor and candid personality — and both were on full display this week. According to Nate Atkins of The Athletic, Verse didn’t hold back when asked about the possibility of missing out on facing Lamar Jackson this weekend.
“I’ll be f*cking furious,” Verse said, admitting that Jackson is on his bucket list of quarterbacks he wants to sack — along with Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
It’s an unfiltered answer, but one that speaks to the competitive fire that’s made Verse a cornerstone of Chris Shula’s defense.
Support Local and Independent Sports Writing – Subscribe To the LAFB Network Today!
A Star in the Making
This Puka-Flex T-Shirt Is Illegal In Philly
Even when his production doesn’t always show up in the box score, Verse continues to make a tangible impact. In Week 5, he registered five quarterback pressures, joining elite company in the process. The second-year edge rusher tied Nick Bosa as the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 career pressures, doing so in just 22 games. Only Joey Bosa got there faster, in 21.
For a player who began his college career at the FCS level, Verse’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. His mix of power, technique, and explosion off the edge is already giving veteran offensive tackles nightmares — including All-Pro Trent Williams, whom Verse battled fiercely last week.
From Disruptor to Potential Superstar
What makes Verse so valuable is his ability to affect games even when he’s not recording sacks. His pressure rate consistently ranks among the league’s best, forcing quarterbacks into hurried throws and helping his teammates feast in the backfield. As one analyst noted after reviewing his film against San Francisco, “The sack numbers will come — Verse is starting to combine power with precision. A bigger breakout is coming.”
The Two-Way Temptation
Verse’s athleticism has even sparked some fun speculation. ESPN recently tabbed him as the Rams’ most likely two-way player, citing his high school experience as a wide receiver. Teammate Puka Nacua said, “I think that would be interesting to see. We could put him in some motions and put a lot of defenses in trouble.”
While that experiment remains unlikely — he’s too vital to the Rams’ defense — it highlights just how dynamic Verse has become. With his intensity, versatility, and rare production, the former Florida State star is emerging not only as the heart of the Rams’ defense, but one of the NFL’s rising faces of defensive dominance.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel