The Los Angeles Rams made a significant move in the 2024 draft by selecting Jared Verse from Florida State with the 19th pick. His immediate impact on the defensive line has been remarkable, contributing to the Rams' playoff run. So far in the regular season, Verse has recorded 4.5 sacks, 36 solo tackles, and two forced fumbles, positioning him as a strong contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award.

However, he faces stiff competition, particularly from Quinyon Mitchell of the Philadelphia Eagles, who had been a frontrunner until a late-season loss diminished his prospects. While Mitchell's performance has been notable, the Rams' success in the postseason provides Verse with a platform to showcase his talents further. Another challenger in the DROY race is Miami's Chop Robinson, who has outperformed Verse in sacks but trails in overall pressure metrics.