The Los Angeles Rams 2024 rookie class is already considered one of the best just eight games into the season. Once again, general manager Les Snead has gotten fantastic early return value for rookie players who play a big role on the team.

As Justin Melo of The Draft Network said, “The Rams have pulled themselves out of a 1-4 hole and currently sit in second place in the division. The play-offs are within reach. Receiving contributions from an outstanding rookie class has helped Sean McVay turn around this season.”

Now that we’re halfway through the season, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has put together his midseason all-rookie team. Two of the Rams’ draft picks made that list. Those players were, of course, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. Verse was Brugler’s second-ranked edge rusher in the draft, behind only Dallas Turner. Said Verse’s Brugler on his midseason all-rookie team:

“There have been a few slam-dunk picks in this exercise (Daniels, Bowers), and I’d also like to include Verse as well… When I read through my draft scouting report for Verse, he translated a lot of the qualities that him as attractive as a prospect: “Verse can win with speed or strength and flashes violence in his hands.” This shows up on almost every pass rush snap. He consistently punches above his weight class, due to his fast, physical rushing style. “He is always around the football, because of his awareness, commitment and fierce playing personality.” Verse is relentless in his pursuit of football. You want players who hate it blocked, and that definitely sums up the Florida State alum.

Verse’s relentless playing style and hot motor led to too many missed tackles early in the season, but since the bye week, the Rams rookie has been one of the best players on the field. His bull rush may already be among the best in the NFL. He currently leads rookies in pressure and is by far the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Verse is currently -190 on FanDuel, with the next player being Laiatu Latue at +750.

Six months after the draft and it still seems astonishing that Jared Verse fell to the Rams at 19 years old. However, it’s not just that Verse fell to the Rams, but he was somehow the third edge rusher selected.

Because offensive talent disappeared from the board early and often, defensive talent disappeared. This worked in the Rams’ favor as they needed to replenish the defense following the retirement of Aaron Donald. Just as the NFL regretted Donald falling to the Rams in 2014, they can regret the same with Verse.

The Ringer’s Diante Lee also released his midseason all-rookie team and had good things to say about the Rams rookie edge rusher. said Lee,

“Verse is proof that looking for a prospect with a refined pass-rushing ability isn’t nearly as important as simply taking swings in the draft on abnormally fast and strong players. Verse doesn’t win his matchups with meticulous close combat or the kind of moves you see players working on in the offseason; he simply understands how to turn his speed into power, and he rushes the passer with impressive effort.

However, Verse wasn’t the only player Brugler mentioned. The NFL Draft analyst also gave the top spot on the defensive line to Braden Fiske. Says Brugler van Fiske,

“Similar to edge rusher, a Rams rookie from the state of Florida runs away with the top spot. Fiske passes the eye test. You can’t watch the Rams’ defense without noticing No. 55 chasing the football. The same explosive hands and revving motor he showed for the Seminoles last season are leading to production against NFL blocking this season.

Fiske is easily the best defensive lineman among the rookies so far this season. He has 26 pressures in eight games, while the closest has 12. The Rams defensive lineman had his “welcome to the NFL” game against the Seahawks last week. Fiske finished with three sack contributions and six pressures. Although he had shown flashes, Sunday’s game was one where he finally took over.

The Rams drafted Verse and Fiske because of their familiarity with each other after playing together at Florida State. While they haven’t pulled off many stunts from each other yet, it’s very clear that these two players will be mainstays on the defense for at least the next four years.

Also named second by Brugler and in the honorable mentions section were wide receiver Jordan Whittington, Beaux Limmer, Kam Kinchens and Jaylen McCollough.

The past two Rams draft classes have the potential to change the franchise. In the past two draft classes, the Rams have chosen:

• Jared Vers
• Braden Fiske
• Kam Kinchens
• Joshua Karty
• Jordan Whittington
• Beau Limmer
• Steve Avila
• Byron Young
• Kobie Turner
• Puka Nacua
• Ethan Evans

…that doesn’t even mention undrafted free agents like Jaylen McColough or depth players who could turn into something that still consists of Warren McClendon and Blake Corum.

There is still a lot of season to be played and a draft class should not be fully assessed until at least three years later when more information about the players is known. Still, the Rams should like what they see from the Florida State duo in Verse and Fiske.