The Los Angeles Rams traded up and selected Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske with the 39th pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In order to trade up to 39, the Rams sent the Carolina Panthers No. 52, No. 155 in the fifth round and a second round pick in 2025. That’s a steep price, so the Rams obviously think very highly of Fiske.
With the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Rams had a need at defensive tackle and addressed it by drafting Fiske to pair with Kobie Turner inside:
With the 39th pick in the 2024 #NFLDraft….
🎤 @IsaacBruce80 on the mic to announce our second pick of the Draft! pic.twitter.com/oULfhEdknd
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 26, 2024
All gas. No brakes. ⛽️
📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/n83WQNJg3t
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) April 26, 2024
Fiske played four seasons at Western Michigan before finishing up at Florida State in 2024. This past season, he played in 13 games and recorded 43 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks. His most productive season was his final at Western Michigan when he had 59 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks in 12 games.
With the absence of Donald, the Rams have an extremely young defensive line, now adding Fiske to the mix alongside Turner, Byron Young and Jared Verse, who they selected with the No. 19 pick in the first round on Thursday night.
Given the team’s lack of pass rush last season though, it is not surprising to see them look to improve that unit, especially after largely ignoring it in free agency.
Braden Fiske was second Florida State player Rams picked
As previously mentioned, the Rams stood pat at 19 in the first round and selected Verse, who was Fiske’s teammate at Florida State last season.
Them having familiarity playing alongside one another should help both going into their rookie seasons with the Rams.
