From Bob McGinn talks with scouts
2. JARED VERSE, Florida State (6-4, 259, 4.58, 1): Transferred after three seasons from FCS Albany, which was his only scholarship opportunity in spring 2019. “Hard-charging, tough motherf’er,” one scout said. “Gonna be the loudest guy on the field. He went from the little pond to the big pond and it didn’t affect him.” Recorded 10 ½ sacks as a starter at Albany in 2021 before registering 18 in 25 games (22 starts) for the Seminoles. “He has a zero chance you’ll miss on him if he stays healthy,” a second scout said. “He’s steady eddie, similar to the Texas kid (Byron Murphy). He’s not as fast as he ran at the combine because I think he dropped a lot of weight to run that 40 time. He was 254 and ran (4.58). Realistically, he’s a 265-pound guy that will run 4.7, which is plenty good. He’s an ***-kicker. Only thing he doesn’t have that’s a little concerning is he can’t win with just a straight fastball. He’s got to set up his rush on the outside to win. Whether it’s a counter, his hand use, a grab and jerk … you like those guys that win all three ways. Whether it’s just bursting off the edge and bending, going through with power or inside counter. He’s got 2 ½. Great kid.” Finished with 162 tackles (50 ½ for loss), 32 ½ sacks, two forced fumbles and five passes defensed. “The talent, you’ve seen better, but it’s still really good,” a third scout said. “Now you add this guy’s edge and it’s why people are really latching onto this guy. You need guys on your team like that. You need physicality on your roster.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9 7/8. His 31 reps on the bench led the position. “Not a top talent but I like the way he played,” a fourth scout said. “He’s rugged. Got a lot of energy. Against the run, he’s got some jolt and energy to him. As a pass rusher, he’s not really a guy trying to beat you off the edge with moves. He’s more, ‘I’m gonna keep coming with second effort.’ Really good at stunts. He’s got a little bit of power, too. He brings it all the time and wears people out. That (Clay Matthews) is a good kind of comparison.” From Berwick, Pa.