In a strategic play during the NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams made a significant move by trading up to secure the No. 39 pick, previously held by the Carolina Panthers. This pick was initially acquired by the Panthers from the New York Giants as part of the Brian Burns trade. Utilizing this newly acquired position, the Rams selected Braden Fiske, a standout defensive lineman from Florida State University.
Braden Fiske Joins Forces with Jared Verse
Braden Fiske’s selection marks another chapter in the Los Angeles Rams’ ongoing strategy to reinforce their defensive lineup with talent from Florida State. This move reunites Fiske with his former college teammate, Jared Verse, who was picked by the Rams at No. 19 overall in the previous night’s session. Like Verse, Fiske transferred to Florida State and made an immediate impact, playing a pivotal role in the team’s ACC Championship run.
Prior to his time at Florida State, Fiske had an impressive five-year stint at Western Michigan. There, he accumulated 27.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. His transfer to Florida State only bolstered his credentials, where he added nine tackles for loss and six sacks, earning second-team All-ACC honors in just one season.
Filling the Void Left by Aaron Donald
The addition of Fiske is part of the Los Angeles Rams‘ larger effort to fill the void left by the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. With Fiske and Verse, Los Angeles is looking to bring fresh energy and skill to their defensive front. Fiske, in particular, is expected to compete for significant playtime alongside Rams’ linemen Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III, setting the stage for a potentially transformative rookie season.
The more film you watch, the more you see why the Rams made the trade to select Braden Fiske.
Fiske had an amazing combine that only confirmed what his film shows. A dynamic IDL with great pursuit! His ability to shove off blockers and finish the play really stands out pic.twitter.com/lzucJbdXi9
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) April 27, 2024
Carolina Panthers’ Strategic Retreat
On the other side of the trade, the Carolina Panthers chose to move back 13 places in the draft lineup but gained a mid-fifth-round pick in return. This adjustment reflects a strategic decision to build depth and perhaps address other areas in need of reinforcement. The Panthers handed over the 52nd and 155th picks to the Rams, retaining the 154th pick, which itself was part of a previous trade with Pittsburgh involving Kevin Dotson.
Los Angeles Rams Build Defense, Draft Strategically
This draft trade illustrates a significant trend of NFL teams leveraging college affiliations and past performances to inform their draft strategies. For the Los Angeles Rams, bringing in collegiate teammates like Fiske and Verse could foster a quicker adjustment to the professional level, enhancing team chemistry.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on these young players to see if they can translate their collegiate success into NFL triumphs.
In conclusion, the Los Angeles Rams are setting a clear intent with their draft choices, focusing on rebuilding and strengthening their defensive line as they prepare for the post-Aaron Donald era. Braden Fiske’s arrival signals not just new talent but a strategic approach to maintaining a robust defense that has been a hallmark of the Los Angeles Rams in recent years.
Sources: Yardbarker
