In a move that has stirred varied reactions, the Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske with the 39th overall pick in the recent NFL Draft. This decision came shortly after the team secured Fiske’s Florida State teammate, edge rusher Jared Verse. While the selection of Verse garnered widespread approval, the choice of Fiske has raised some eyebrows among NFL experts.
An anonymous NFL scout shared with the NFL Analysis Network that while Fiske is undeniably talented, his selection at this spot might have been a bit premature.
“Look, I’m not going to say anything bad at all about Braden Fisk. He’s a great player with a high motor,” the scout noted. “I think it’s a reach in my opinion, but he’s going to help ease the pain of losing Aaron Donald a little bit. Fans will absolutely love his work ethic and energy.”
Braden Fiske’s Role in Filling the Void Left by Aaron Donald
The departure of Aaron Donald to retirement left a significant gap in the Los Angeles Rams‘ defense, and it appears the team is keen on filling this void by bolstering their defensive lineup. Fiske, known for his relentless energy and robust defensive skills, racked up impressive stats during his 2023 campaign, including 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks.
Starting his collegiate journey at Western Michigan, Fiske showed early promise and continued to develop his skills over four seasons before transferring to Florida State for his final NCAA season. His standout season at Western Michigan in 2022 included 59 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Watch Braden Fiske's emotional call with the Los Angeles Rams and Jared Verse https://t.co/6sNZHtrMZP pic.twitter.com/lBbExLtRJF
— FSU Wire (@FSUWire) April 27, 2024
The Strategic Importance of Braden Fiske to the Los Angeles Rams Defense
The Los Angeles Rams’ strategy seems to be focused on reinforcing their defensive line to counteract the loss of Donald’s legendary prowess. Braden Fiske, along with Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young, is expected to invigorate the LA pass rush with fresh talent and vigor.
While some may argue that the Los Angeles Rams could have potentially traded down and still secured Fiske, the team’s decision to pick him at the 39th spot indicates their commitment to ensuring they didn’t miss out on a player they believe can make an immediate impact.
As the new NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Braden Fiske to see if he can live up to the Los Angeles Rams’ expectations and help fill the colossal shoes of Aaron Donald. His integration into the team and performance on the field will ultimately determine whether this gamble pays off for a team looking to remain competitive in a fiercely contested league.
Sources: NFL Analysis
