Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse and defensive end Braden Fiske are among the five finalists for the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, it was announced Thursday morning.
The winner will be announced during NFL Honors on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans.
Verse produced 4.5 sacks, 66 total tackles (11 for loss), 18 QB hits, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries while playing in all 17 regular season games, starting 16. His 18 QB hits, 77 pressures and 56 hurries led all rookies. He also produced the second-most tackles for loss (11) and fifth-most sacks (4.5). Verse also tied for second in hurries and ranked fourth in pressures among all defensive players in the league.
Fiske's 8.5 sacks led the Rams, and he also chipped in 44 total tackles (10 for loss), 10 QB hits, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while starting in all 17 regular season games (8 starts).
Verse already has one Defensive Rookie of the Year award after receiving the Pro Football Writer's of America (PFWA)'s version earlier this week. He and Fiske were both named to the PFWA's All-Rookie Team as well alongside wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who made the team as a kick returner.
This is the second-straight year the Rams have had a finalist for the award. Defensive end Kobie Turner was one last year.
2024 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Finalists
- Eagles CB Cooper DeJean
- Rams DE Braden Fiske
- Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell
- Dolphins OLB Chop Robinson
- Rams OLB Jared Verse
