THREE RAMS ROOKIES ANNOUNCED TO PFWA ALL ROOKIE TEAM FOR 2024
Gina Ferazzi/ LA Times
Los Angeles - There is still about a month left before the league finds out who will be crowned MVP at the NFL Honors award show. The event will take place on February 6th at the Saenger Theatre, in New Orleans, but that does not mean some awards can not already be given to some noteworthy players across the league.
The PFWA All Rookie Team was announced early Tuesday afternoon, and the LA Rams held the most names to that list with 3.
It is a credit to the outstanding defense played throughout the year by such a young core and the improvement on special team from a year ago.
The awardees to the 2024 PFWA All Rookie Team are Jordan Whittington, Braden Fiske, and Jared Verse.
Whittington might have come as a surprise for Rams fans, but the Longhorns Alumni led all rookies in total kick return yardage with 453 yards. Jordan also had 14 returns that went over 20+ yards, and had the most 40+ returns by a rookie with 2.
The receiver finished with 293 yards and 0 TD’s on the year, but proved his efficiency as a pass catcher. His strength and route running abilities will most likely elevate him a spot in the receiver room, especially with the uncertain future of Kupp, Robinson, Atwell and Johnson.
Both Verse and Fiske were added to the defensive line list among other sack hungry lineman in Laiatu Latu, Jonah Elliss, T’Vondre Sweat, and Chop Robinson. LA would recall the energy and focus on these two draftees in the 2024 NFL draft, as both were best friends at Florida State and led the Seminoles to an undefeated season in 2023.
Their stories were bonded together as the two transferred to FSU later in their college careers and dominated together side by side. They now find themselves competing for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award against each other, but it has been pure joy for LA to see what can come out of such an explosive duo.
Fiske’s year ended leading the Rams in sacks with 8.5, and a combined total 44 tackles and 10 QB hits. His numbers and attitude on the field was given high praise from Chris Shula all year long.
Jared Verse finished with 4.5 sacks, but 66 combined tackles, 11 of those being for loss, and 10 QB hits. Verse definitely caught more of the limelight after having some words for Eagles fans. Verse stated “ I hate Eagles fans…” in a recent interview. His play spoke for itself after having some big tackles during the Rams playoff loss to Philadelphia.
Regardless, the outside linebacker brings a new energy to LA. He is not afraid to speak his mind and try to mentally break down his opponents. Verse was the first round pick by the Rams, their first pick in round one since 2016.
