Florida State 'violent tempo setter' linked to three teams ahead of NFL Draft

One of the draft’s top pass-rushers is generating interest around the NFL. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports that Florida State edge-rusher Jared Verse is set to meet with the Seahawks. Garafolo also passes along that Verse previously met with the Buccaneers and Broncos.

After spending his first three collegiate seasons at Albany, Verse put himself on the NFL map following two standout campaigns at Florida State. The edge-rusher earned first-team All-ACC and first-team All-American nods in each of the past two seasons, compiling 18 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss along the way.

Described as a “violent tempo setter” by NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, Verse has earned high draft grades for his versatility. The prospect lined up both on the outside and inside of Florida State’s defensive line, excelling in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. At 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Verse should be able to carry over that positional versatility to the NFL.

Thanks to his impressive performance over the past two seasons, Verse will likely hear his name called during the first round of the 2024 draft. He’s competing with the likes of Alabama’s Dallas Turner and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu to be the first edge-rusher off the board.

Both the Broncos (No. 12) and Seahawks (No. 16) pick toward the middle of the first round, putting them in prime position to score one of the draft’s top pass-rushers. The Buccaneers, armed with the 26th pick, may need to make a trade if they hope to snag one of draft’s elite edge prospects.