NFL.com Draft columnist Dan Parr put out his Mock Draft 2.0 and believes one player may fall to Miami at 21 and give Miami one of the draft’s biggest steals. And with the 21st pick, he has Miami selecting…
Round 1, Pick #21: Jared Verse, EDGE – FSU
“Landing Verse at No. 21 could be one of the draft’s biggest steals. With Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb recovering from injuries and Andrew Van Ginkel departing this offseason, the Dolphins are thrilled to find a safe edge rusher with big-time power still waiting to hear his name called.”
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.
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.
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.
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