Rams’ talk is, Florida State rookies will need to be difference-makers on defense

Rams rookie Jared Verse (8) would like the ball carriers to head his way. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The verbal exchanges between edge rusher Jared Verse and tackle Braden Fiske occurred daily in the locker room after practices at Florida State, and they have continued since the Rams selected them with their first two picks in the NFL draft.

Who made the most plays? Who flashed the most effective move?

“All right,” whoever came up short says, adding a simple but motivation-tinged retort. “See you tomorrow.”

As the Rams prepare for their Sept. 8 opener against the Detroit Lions, the friendly-but-fierce dialogue between teammates bonded by shared experience and work ethic will not abate.

“It never stops,” Fiske said. “It’s constant — it’s become second nature. That’s been great so far and I’m just excited to see where we can take it.”

Read more: Can Troy Reeder pick up slack in middle of Rams defense after Ernest Jones IV trade?

Verse, 6 feet, 4 inches and 260 pounds, and the 6-4, 291-pound Fiske will play significant roles for a remade Rams defense aiming to show doubters it can thrive despite the retirement of future Hall of Fame lineman Aaron Donald and the recent trade of linebacker Ernest Jones IV.

Verse and Fiske are two of several new players who have joined the Rams defense since last season’s 10-7 finish and playoff appearance.

Cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams, safeties Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens and undrafted free-agent linebacker Omar Speights are other additions to a unit now overseen by Chris Shula, who succeeded Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator.

Still, Verse, the 19th pick in the draft, and Fiske, who the Rams traded up to select at No. 39, have generated the most buzz.

“Both of those guys are exactly what we’re looking for,” coach Sean McVay said at the outset of training camp.

Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) gets his hands up during a line drill. The rookie is expected to contribute…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-talk-florida-state-rookies-124548289.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-09-02 12:45:48

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