NFL.com Columnist thinks Miami May get One of the Drafts Biggest Steals

NFL.COM JARED VERSE DRAFT PROFILE

Talented edge defender with the field demeanor, athleticism and skill set to rack up statistics in key categories fairly early in his NFL career. Verse dominated at Albany and then showed an ability to do the same at Florida State. He’s twitchy and compact, with explosiveness featured at the point of attack and in his upfield burst as a pass rusher. He’s great with his hands and does a nice job of diagnosing plays quickly and staying out of the clinches of offensive linemen looking to snatch him up. Verse’s ability to threaten the edge only bolsters his hellish speed-to-power bull-rushing ability to run tackles deep into the pocket. He can play up or down and should be in consideration for all defensive schemes looking to add a safe, high-impact edge.

STRENGTHS

• Thrives with winning first step and unstoppable energy.
• Quick to close distance and mitigate his length disadvantage.
• Controls bigger blockers at the point with leverage, hands and power.
• Instincts allow for rapid diagnosis and attack of play development.
• Advanced GPS into the pocket, with multiple available rush routes.
• Uses sudden, combative hand work to beat the punch and grease the edge.
• Bend and strength to corner tightly to passer at efficient angles.
• Instantly converts his twitchy get-off into a menacing bull rush.

WEAKNESSES

• Lacks ideal size and length that teams covet.
• Unable to anchor deep when drive blockers get into him.
• Below-average footwork and wrap-up leads to missed tackles.
• Offensive tackles stall his rush plan with a firm punch.
• Has moments where rush wears down against size.

NFL Draft Buzz Draft Profile

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO

Jared Verse, starting his football days at Central Columbia HS in Berwick, PA, found his collegiate football home at Albany after redshirting in 2019. His first active season in the delayed spring 2020 FCS season was followed by a standout fall, where he secured 14.5 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, and a spot on the first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association.

Next, Verse transferred to Florida State, arriving with a 4-star transfer prospect rating and being regarded as the second-best EDGE in the transfer portal. At the Seminoles, he showed his worth, impressing against opposing offenses and putting up strong numbers in his opening season.

In his 2022 season with the Seminoles, Verse continued to impress, accumulating nine sacks and 17 TFLs in one campaign. His performance earned him first-team All-ACC honors, confirming his standing as a defensive force against top collegiate competition.

Looking to the 2023 NFL Draft, Verse was in the conversation for a likely first-round pick, drawing comparisons with names like Will Anderson Jr. and Tyree Wilson. However, he chose to return to Florida State for another season, aiming for a title and the top EDGE spot in the 2024 draft. Scouts are keeping a watchful eye as Verse continues his journey toward the NFL.

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS

• Verse brings a seasoned pass-rush plan to the table, executing a myriad of initial and counter moves with polished technique and shrewd decision-making.
• The explosive first step is a cornerstone of his game, dictating pass-rush scenarios by imposing his will and disrupting offensive linemen’s rhythm off the snap.
• Elite athletic skills — Made Bruce Feldman’s 2023 ‘Freaks List’ at number 26. He wrote: “another year at FSU has enabled him to continue to develop, both physically and in his on-field skill set. At 6-3 1/2, 260 pounds, Verse power-cleans 360 pounds, squats 555 and benches 455, but he also has excellent burst, running 21.14 MPH in a game with a max acceleration of 5.85m/s with a max deceleration of -6.98m/s.”
• Exceptional bend and flexibility allow Verse to exploit the edge, dipping under offensive tackles and maintaining a tight, efficient path to the quarterback.
• Natural athletic gifts are evident in his lateral agility, enabling effective redirection and counter moves that continue to confound protective schemes.
• His functional strength shouldn’t be understated – Verse consistently delivers powerful punches and showcases the ability to hold his ground against heavier opponents.
• The motor on Verse runs incessantly, reflecting a high-effort player who brings relentless energy and pursuit from snap to whistle on every down.
• Hand usage is a notable strength, displaying rapid and potent strikes that effectively navigate through opposing linemen’s blocks to disrupt the backfield.
• A hallmark of his game, the palpable explosiveness, permeates through his every move, asserting dominance in gap penetration and providing a perpetual disruptive presence.

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

• Verse, while maintaining exterior leverage, occasionally overshoots, enabling offensive schemes to exploit created lanes, undermining the run defense’s integrity and effectiveness.
• Despite a robust and physical approach to run defense, there’s a discernible lack of control in his tackling, often resulting in missed opportunities in the backfield.
• While the collegiate tackle-for-loss numbers are there, skepticism arises regarding the translatability of those statistics to the NFL, demanding further refinement in his approach.
• Anticipation and mental processing in run scenarios require elevation; enhancing block recognition and reactionary quickness out of his stance remains a pivotal area for development.
• Verse’s effective hand usage in pass-rush scenarios demands translation into run defense, ensuring that generated power and jolt are equivalently impactful across all play types.

SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY

In 2023, Jared Verse, now a fifth-year senior, is looking to boost his draft stock for the 2024 NFL Draft. He wants to be mentioned in discussions about the top defensive players moving to the pro game. His impressive stats give him a good start, and the upcoming season is an opportunity to make his name even more well-known in pro ranks.

Known for his elite athleticism and combination of size and speed, Verse has successfully transitioned from the FCS level to a prominent role at Florida State. Now, he’s ready for another big step. With a full college resume, Verse is looking towards the 2024 draft, not just with hope but with a solid argument for a high spot, possibly in the top half of the first round, showcasing an impressive and unusual journey through college football.

Florida State’s defense is set to be one of the top in the country in 2023, and Verse is a key player in that unit. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run will be crucial for the team and will provide support for the rest of the defense.

While Verse was already on track to be a high draft pick, another strong season with the Seminoles could push his draft stock even higher, potentially placing him within the top five picks come April.