2024 Los Angeles Rams Rookie Defenders Making Presence (and Pressure) Felt At Training Camp

In a multi-pronged attempt to replace the greatest defensive tackle of all time, the Los Angeles Rams brought in a one-two punch from Florida State via the draft. They added edge rusher Jared Verse with pick 19 in the first round and traded up in the second to get defensive tackle Braden Fiske .

Now that Rams training camp is underway, the coaching staff has gotten its first and second looks at the pair in action (albeit without pads). Head coach, Sean McVay has already said that he has felt their presence, a quality he respects highly from defenders.

Los Angeles Rams Can Already Feel Verse and Fiske

“When you FEEL those guys especially when I look at it from an offensive lens when you FEEL defensive players that’s one of the biggest compliments I can give guys.” McVay said.

McVay also gave the caveat that the good impressions they have made haven’t been done while playing “real football.’

“Still this isn’t real football the closest thing that we do get to real football is is when we will put the pads on and and that’s when you can start running some different schemes too.”

That said, both Verse and Fiske have made impressive and big plays, both in quarterback pressure and rushing defense. Both are receiving a high quantity and high-quality rep share at Rams training camp

“I think they just show up there’s a suddenness,” McVay describes, “there’s the ability to finish. I think Braden Fiske has done a great job of learning from the OTAs then being able to apply some of his plans with his hands, understanding of where he fits, and where his play opportunities arise. Jared Verse was a guy that I thought had an incredibly strong spring throughout. Really he did a good job these last couple of days.”

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator, Chris Shula was asked about his impressions of the two rookies;

They’re looking good looking. a long way to go. we got a lot of stuff to clean up with them but you see a lot of the flashes, you see the aggression, you see the attacking mindset, you see the style of play that they had at Florida State and [that’s] exactly why we picked them

When Shula was asked about Verse specifically and his potential as a defensive leader;

“He’s a leader in the sense of how he plays. I think guys knows he plays tough, he plays fast, he plays very hard. So I think guys want to follow him.”

During Rams training camp, Verse is often the loudest and most verbal defender on the field.

More must-reads:

• Rams Training Camp: Tyler Johnson Makes Case for a Roster Spot with Strong Camp Performance
• Los Angeles Rams Defensive Energy Outmatches Run Heavy Offense in 1st Padded Session of Training Camp