Rams Go Defensive Draft Picks
The 6-foot-4 254-pound Verse has a rocked-up frame as a 23-year-old defender. He primarily played defensive end at Florida State the last two years and was highly productive, but he could be in for a more unique role with the Rams.
Earl Heath
Contributing Sports Writer
The biggest off-season transaction for the RAMS was the retirement of Aaron Donald. He had been the heart and soul of the defense for more than A decade. Along with being the teams all-time sack leader and the holder of several other records.
The team jumped out and took Jared Verse, defensive end, Florida State-And in the second Round the (39) overall Braden Fiske, defensive tackle teammate of Verse was taken. It was the first first-round pick since 2016.
The 6-foot-4 254-pound Verse has a rocked-up frame as a 23-year-old defender. He primarily played defensive end at Florida State the last two years and was highly productive, but he could be in for a more unique role with the Rams.
“He’s ( Verse) going to play on the edge. He’s got the ability to reduce down,” McVay said. “He’s got a lot of versatility. You watch the way that he plays. He’s got great hands, he’s violent, he’s got a versatile arsenal of moves that he can activate. But he plays the game the way we want it to be played. We’re looking for grown men on defense. … He was one of the guys that we had targeted and feel really good coming away with him. He’s going to make a big impact in the outside linebacker room.”
According to reports Verse and Fiske are insuring the work ethic and culture on the defensive line are in great hands moving forward. Fiske just had back-to-back six-sack seasons.
Blake Corum running back from Michigan was the only offensive player taken in the first six rounds. Scoring 27 touchdowns and earning an 83.4 rushing grade for Michigan last season, The hardnosed Maryland native should push for significant touches right off the bat in the Rams’ multiple run schemes. Corum offers elite vision and change-of-direction ability, two things clearly valued by head coach Sean McVay.
Kamren Kinchens a safety from Miami was also a 3rd round selection. Kitchens is known as a ball hawk who had 11 interceptions in the last two seasons alone. RAMS also added two D-lineman Brennan Jackson -defensive end, Washington State and Tyler Davis, defensive tackle, Clemson was the other sixth rounder.
The RAMS draft ranks ninth best according to NFL experts. The team is coming off a 10-7 record and a play-off appearance. Last year’s draft was highly successful on the offensive side with standouts in running back Kyren Williams and rookie receiver Puka Nacua. The head coach/quarterback duo remains intact with Sean McVay and 36-year-old Matthew Stafford, with Cooper Kupp in the slot and a solid offensive line.
