Saints select star edge rusher Jared Verse in latest PFF mock draft
The New Orleans Saints' season has come to a close. It was a disappointing one, in the end, with plenty of positives and negatives to go around. One major flaw for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 was their pass rush. It was inconsistent and simply did not get to the quarterback often enough. Carl […]
The New Orleans Saints' season has come to a close. It was a disappointing one, in the end, with plenty of positives and negatives to go around.
One major flaw for the New Orleans Saints in 2023 was their pass rush. It was inconsistent and simply did not get to the quarterback often enough. Carl Granderson and Zack Baun showed pass rushing potential, but Cameron Jordan's performance shows that they need to add a young talent at pass rusher.
In Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft, Trevor Sikkema sent a top defensive player in the 2024 draft class to New Orleans.
Round 1, Pick 14: Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, Florida State
The Saints could be in for heavy turnover this offseason, but whether it’s a little or a lot, they need to invest in a difference-making edge rusher. Verse is a powerful player who can win with speed-to-power from three-point and two-point stances. He’s not quite as big as Cam Jordan, but he brings a similar all-around ceiling.
— Trevor Sikkema, PFF
In my opinion, Verse is the top edge rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft. His athleticism and strength provide a balanced threat in his pass rush arsenal. Additionally, he proved over his final two seasons that he's a formidable run defender, too.
Accordingly, Verse is not a rotational rusher. His versatility is impressive, and he has great bend for his size. At 6'4 and 265 pounds, he has NFL size. The Saints do typically prefer top-flight stature in their edge rusher, and he fits that bill. He's a prototype for them.
Keep in mind that Zack Baun is a free agent during this offseason. He showed upside at pass rusher this year, but his price could be too high for New Orleans to bring him back with their salary cap limitations. Only time will tell.
Not to mention, Cam Jordan totaled just two sacks this season. He has clearly lost a step. Verse, or a similar edge rusher in the first round, would replace him in the long-term for the Saints.
Verse is a strong candidate for the black and gold if he is available at pick #14 in April.
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