Retired Dolphins Pro Bowler predicts DPOY for this rising Rams defensive star

The Los Angeles Rams are a West Coast NFL team, and that often means that players must face an uphill battle when honors, awards, and accolades are handed out to the NFL's best players. But that bias does not extend to other NFL players who must face the Rams on a football field.

There is a lot of respect shown by opposing players after facing the Rams. And that trend seems to be growing. You needn't take my word for it. Just ask now-retired Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead.

When it comes to five-time NFL Pro Bowl offensive tackle Terron Armstead's decision to retire from professional football, some argue that he may have left a lot of elite production behind too soon. But this 12-year veteran offensive tackle is ready to enjoy the fruits of his career and settle into a new chapter of his life.

So when Armstead was asked in a recent radio podcast which players he would not miss in the least with his entry into retirement, you would have been in safe territory to anticipate names of veteran players. The first category would likely come from defenders he faced twice a year, from AFC East Division opponents. The next likely category would be AFC players who compete for postseason opportunities.

But the first name from his lips was Rams rookie outside linebacker Jared Verse.

Why does he name Jared Verse?

"Number 1. He was a rookie from the Rams. That young boy, Jared Verse. I am cool. I am good. I never got to see that man again. I am alright with, I am okay with that: Never seeing that young man again in my life.

(His) Bull rush is different. This dog is different. You know that it is coming, you brace yourself, and he is different. Jared Verse is different. He will be a Defensive Player of the Year one of these days, mark my words. "

OT Terron Armstead

While that may sound overly optimistic, keep in mind that the Rams' young outside linebacker is returning from a rookie season that culminated in DROY honors. The NFL knows Jared Verse, so the question is no longer about whether he will play well in 2025, but how well he will improve over a fantastic 2024 performance.

We've mentioned high projections for second-year defensive back Kamren Kinchens as something to keep on your radar. We have applauded the 'Easy Power' of the newly added Rams nose tackle Poona Ford. Now we have Terron Armstead's take on OLB Jared Verse as a potential DPOY in 2025 to add to that.

It's only minicamp, but the future of this Rams defense is looking brighter all the time. As always, thanks for reading.