NFL executives still believe Rams rookie Jared Verse is Defensive Rookie of the Year.
While Jared Verse started the season strong, he has seemed to hit the rookie wall over the past three weeks. For the first time since early in the season, the Los Angeles Rams rookie is no longer the odds favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Depending on the Sportsbook, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Quinyon Mitchell now narrowly leads Verse +110 to +150.
The odds won’t necessarily decide the winner, but it is a testament to how close the race has become. A month ago, Verse was clearly ahead of Mitchell and it wasn’t very close. Mitchell has significantly closed that gap while Verse’s play has taken a slight decline.
For Verse to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, he’ll need to have a strong finish to the season. With that said, Verse is still highly regarded in league circles. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero recently polled executives around the league on who they thought should win the awards at the end of the season. Among those awards was Defensive Rookie of the Year where Verse still holds a big advantage. Said Pelissero,
“The 19th overall pick, Verse received 15 votes — evidence of what a force he has been in the Rams’ recovery from a 1-4 start to regain control of the NFC West. He has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He leads all rookies in tackles for loss (11) and QB hits (17). Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who was taken three picks later, finished second with six votes. He has started all 14 games and been credited with 10 pass breakups. Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (second round, 39th overall) received three votes.”
After Kobie Turner missed out on the Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season, it would be nice to see Verse come out on top this year. Braden Fiske likely will not win, but the fact that he is someone that was recognized by those around the league is certainly a positive. Even if Verse or Fiske don’t win, for Rams players to be in this conversation in back-to-back years, it is a testament to how well general manager Les Snead has drafted recently.
Again, for Verse to win the award, he’ll need to find the level that he had earlier in the season. Mitchell has been very good for the Eagles with that team having the best pass defense in the NFL. Combine that with recency bias and it wouldn’t be unheard of for voters in the media to side with Mitchell.
The next three games will be big for the Rams and Verse. With a 10-day break, it should allow Verse time to reset and enter the final stretch refreshed. If the Rams rookie can have solid performances in primetime against the Arizona Cardinals next week and potentially again in Week 18 to win the NFC West, it will be difficult to deny him Defensive Rookie of the Year.
