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When Rams coach Sean McVay called rookie linebacker Jared Verse to tell him he had made the Pro Bowl, Verse thought he was about to be interrupted.
McVay probably won’t call Verse to tell him he’s the PFT 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. (Someone will hopefully tell him, though.)
The first-rounder out of Florida State became a key part of the Rams’ offense after the addition of Aaron Donald. Although his sack total wasn’t up by an eye at 4.5, PFF calculated 77 pressures in 484 rushing snaps.
He had 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
This is the second year in a row that a Rams player has won the award. Kobe Turner was 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Verse’s Florida State and Rams teammate, defensive end Braden Fiske, also earned consideration, with 8.5 sacks, 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Eagles cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean also had solid rookie seasons. Both appeared in 16 games, with Mitchell (the starter) participating in 96 percent of the defensive snaps and DeJean (the team’s top corner) playing in 63 percent.
All four players will have a chance to add to their solid first seasons this weekend as the Rams host the Vikings and the Eagles host the Packers in the wild card round of the playoffs.
