Packers.com has consulted more than two dozen mock drafts from reputable national outlets and compiled a list of players most frequently mocked as draft selections in the latter portion of the first round (picks 20-32) who could be available when the Packers are on the clock at No. 25 overall.
Between now and draft day, those players will be profiled with thumbnail sketches and videos known as "Prospect Primers."
Today's player is …
Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Height/Weight: 6-4, 254
Key stats: Recorded 18 sacks among 29½ tackles for loss over two seasons at FSU after posting 14½ sacks among 21½ TFLs at Albany.
College honors: Earned All-Coastal Athletic Association honors (second team in 2020, first team in '21) at Albany, then two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and second-team All-America recognition from multiple outlets at FSU.
Background/other info: Began his college career as an unheralded tight end, redshirting at Albany in the FCS while switching to defensive end. Then produced as an edge defender and pass rusher over the next four years at two different schools, unfazed by the transition to FBS competition. Came on strong at the end of his college career, posting 4½ sacks among six TFLs in his final two games against Florida and Louisville, allowing him to match his season total of nine sacks from 2022. Could have possibly been a first-round draft pick a year ago, but stayed at Florida State one more year. Also played basketball and ran track in the prep ranks, winning a state title in a relay. Has the athleticism and skill set to potentially start as a rookie in the NFL as a traditional defensive end, and may not be available beyond the upper half of the first round.
