HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams went seven years without a first-round pick in the NFL draft, in part, because they felt urgency to make the most of Aaron Donald’s exceptional presence. After selecting Florida State defensive end Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick on Thursday night, the Rams hope he can help them ease into life without one of the most disruptive players in the history of the sport. “Filling up his role, that’s a hard role to fill,” Verse said on a video call from Phoenix, where he was watching the draft with family and friends. “That’s big shoes to fill. That’s an out-of-this-world player. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime, Hall of Famer, future Hall of Famer. “That’s one of the best players to ever live. But to be able to be in the position where they expect me to be able to come in there and be able to fill that role, that’s something I’m ready for.” |
In pictures: Auckland's Ramadan Night Markets in New LynnShortland Street: Fate of muchUnexplained Tākaka death not suspiciousBeijing confirms missing Taiwan publisher Li Yanhe is under national security investigationChina is drilling some of the deepest holes in hunt for natural resourcesLuke Littler's Premier League darts rival Michael van Gerwen, 34, says the 17VOX POPULI: The power of old photos and a deficitVOX POPULI: Leadership skills of the past are missing in the politics of todayVOX POPULI: Voters won’t forget ‘politics of oblivion’ in the next electionChina News Jack Ma: Alibaba's founder turns up in Japan as college professor