Rams rookie edge rusher Jared Verse earns Pro Bowl selection
Jared Verse initially thought he might have done something wrong.
When Verse woke up from a post-practice nap this week, the rookie edge rusher saw that he had three missed phone calls from coach Sean McVay.
“I thought I was getting fired,” Verse said.
Instead, McVay informed Verse that he had been voted to the Pro Bowl Games, an honor made official Thursday when the NFL announced the rosters.
“I never thought about this award, that award, this nomination, that nomination,” Verse said. “Just work, and whatever happens, happens.”
Verse, the 19th player selected in the draft, has been an integral part of a defense that helped the Rams rebound from a 1-4 start and win the NFC West heading in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
With the NFC West title already clinched, the Rams will start Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
Verse was the only Rams player voted to the initial rosters for the Pro Bowl Games, to be held Feb. 2 in Orlando, Fla.
Players were elected based on votes by players, coaches and fans, with each group representing one-third of the vote. Verse was the only Rams player selected. More are expected to be among alternates.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula said Verse’s election “shows how much he influences and impacts the game.”
Verse said Rams outside linebackers and other teammates helped him achieve the honor.
“It was really thanks to them because they’ve helped push me every day,” Verse said, noting the “standard we have set — they’re going to make me elevate so I can push us all to a higher level.”
The 6-foot4, 250-pound Verse played college football at Albany and Florida State.
He joined a defensive front that included tackle Kobie Turner, a 2023 finalist for NFL rookie defensive player of the year. Second-year edge rusher Byron Young, tackle Bobby Brown III, outside linebackers Michael Hoecht and Nick Hampton and fellow rookie Braden Fiske are among other players who have helped the Rams make up for the loss to future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, who retired after last season.
Rams edge rusher Jared Verse has transformed into quite a trash talker but so far the rookie has been able to back up most of what he has said.
Verse, 24, leads all NFL rookies in pressures, quarterback hurries and quarterback hits, according to the Rams. He ranks fourth on the Rams in sacks. Turner and Fiske each have eight, Young seven.
Young has a team-best 12 tackles for lost yardage, Verse 11.
Verse had a sack in the season-opening overtime defeat at Detroit but missed several opportunities for sacks and tackles for losses the next week against the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray.
His most productive four-game stretch came after the Rams returned from their off week. He had five quarterback hits in a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, 1½ sacks in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings and also had sacks in a victory over the Seahawks and a loss against the Miami Dolphins.
Like most players on teams headed for the playoffs, Verse gladly would pass on participating in the Pro Bowl Games for an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.
“Focus more on the team,” he said.
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