Jared Verse is already giving the Cleveland Browns more than a disruptive presence off the edge.
Verse has been staying after practice to work with rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano, Cleveland’s top draft pick. Browns head coach Todd Monken watched closely as Verse walked Fano through the finer points of their matchup and helped him make some immediate adjustments.
“I walked up to Jared and said, ‘Man, we’re so lucky you’re a Brown. I mean holy s— how cool is this?’ Because he’s not only a great leader, but he also works his rear end off every day, and after practice he’s trying to get Spencer better," Monken said. "I stood right behind him listening to what he was talking about, and it was bang, bang, bang, five reps in a row of his footwork, then talking through what he was going to do, how he could redirect, how he could use his hands and punch. It was within five reps I saw Spencer get better. It was him teaching like he was a coach, and it was awesome."
#Browns Jared Verse working with rookie Spencer Fano after practice. pic.twitter.com/dNXcCVUEif
— Coop (The Real Justin Cooper) (@JJCoop25) August 4, 2026
Cleveland drafted Fano No. 9 overall to become a long-term fixture at left tackle. He has worked with the starting offensive line during camp and is preparing to protect whichever quarterback wins the competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
Fano will inevitably lose some practice reps against Verse, a two-time Pro Bowler. But Verse is accelerating Fano's rookie learning curve before the reps begin to matter in the preseason and regular season.
Jared Verse is embracing a leadership role with the Browns
The Browns acquired Verse in the blockbuster trade that sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland also received a package of future draft picks, but Verse was the centerpiece of the deal and someone the Browns felt matched their "DNA."
While Verse's impact on the field is well documented, his leadership qualities have been equally valuable and evident. Verse has quickly become one of Cleveland’s most vocal players. He wants to raise the standard in Cleveland and measure his success by wins — not individual stats.
"I’m here to change the standard of defense. I’m here to change what is happening in Cleveland," Verse said during an appearance on the Stephen A. Smith Show. "You can go out there and get all these stats, but I’m here to win games."
It’s a bold stance from Verse, especially with expectations for the Browns at rock bottom. Most sportsbooks have set Cleveland’s projected win total at just 5.5 games for next season.
Verse’s first chance to make his impact felt in a game setting will come during the preseason. The Browns open their three-game slate on the road against the Chicago Bears on August 15.
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