The Los Angeles Rams went into the 2024 draft experiencing two things that were very different for the franchise.

First, Aaron Donald announced his retirement in March after being named to eight first-team All-Pro teams and 10 Pro Bowls, while also winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Second, the Rams had a first-round pick for the first time since selecting Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall selection eight years earlier.

These two points interconnected thus allowing the Rams to select defensive lineman Jared Verse. The No. 19 overall pick looks every bit the part of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s created more consistent pressure than any other first-year player while ranking second overall with 4.5 sacks.

Who leads all rookies in sacks? Well, it’s Verse’s teammate, Braden Fiske, who was chosen by the Rams in the second round.

“[Now] we’ve seen how capable we are of getting back there [into the backfield] any time we feel like it,” Verse said last week, per the Los Angeles Times‘ Gary Klein.

Verse and Fiske set the table, but the depth of the Rams’ class is impressive.

Among the third-round choices, Blake Corum provides a quality option in the running back rotation and Kamren Kinchens worked his way into become the team’s starting free safety.

General manager Les Snead and his scouting staff deserve significant credit for their work in this year’s sixth round. Tyler Davis is getting regular reps at defensive tackle. Joshua Karty is the squad’s kicker. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington is a contributor on offense and special teams. Finally, Beaux Limmer took over at center because of injury but remains there even as others got healthy.

The Rams quietly know how to draft very, very well.