Jared Verse projected as instant impact starter as NFL rookie

FSU football has a rich history of producing big-time NFL players, and Jared Verse looks to be the next in line at the defensive end position. Verse transferred into FSU from FCS Albany with incredible physical traits but needed development to harness his ability while understanding the intricacies of the game. Verse burst on the scene in the 2022 LSU game and put up impressive numbers despite playing at less than 100 percent due to a leg injury suffered early in the season. Verse could have opted for the NFL Draft but returned for a second season in Tallahassee. The move looks to have paid huge dividends, as he will assuredly be a top-15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL Draft analyst talks Verse's game:

What's most impressive about what Verse did in 2023 was his production came despite opposing teams' game planning against him. Teams often double-teamed or chipped Verse to attempt to slow him down. However, Verse was often strong enough to hold his point of attack and shed blocks in the running game to make plays. He had the same number of sacks but had eight more quarterback hurries. Teams putting more attention toward him allowed Patrick Payton and others to make plays. FSU had a defensive rotation along its defensive line, so he wasn't on the field as much as one would think. The rotation frustrated FSU fans at times but proved smart because Verse was fresh down the stretch, as the video suggested about his production late in the season. Verse is similar to former FSU defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who was also an NFL first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. Johnson made his first NFL Pro Bowl this past season. However, Verse might be more physically gifted and should put up crazy numbers at the NFL Combine. It'll be interesting to see how that impacts his draft status. Whoever selects Verse will get a guy with an insane motor and the ability to play all three downs.