The Los Angeles Rams found a gem in the 2024 NFL Draft when they selected defensive end Braden Fiske out of Florida State with the 39th overall pick.
Fiske made an immediate impact in his first season with the Rams as he totaled 8.5 sacks, 44 tackles, 10 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles in 17 games (eight starts).
While Fiske was able to suit up in every game, he played through a right knee injury that required a minor procedure this offseason. The 25-year-old is already back to full health and won’t be limited in any way during training camp.
As Fiske gets set for his second NFL season, he is said to be in much better shape after adding muscle and trimming body fat, via Dan Pompei of The Athletic:
Fiske, meanwhile, focused on identifying his own tendencies in the run game. He also recommitted to being the best he can physically, stretching more and improving his diet. He weighs 293 pounds — up eight pounds — and says his body fat is lower. A tear in his patellar tendon required arthroscopic surgery, but he returned to practice in the spring.
Fiske excelled as a pass rusher during his rookie season and should hopefully continue to improve in the run game, which could lead to even more playing time this year.
His contributions made him a finalist for the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, but Fiske ultimately lost out to Rams teammate Jared Verse.
Fiske, Verse and wide receiver/kick returner Jordan Whittington were also selected to the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team. The Rams were the only team to have three selections.
Braden Fiske & Jared Verse discuss chemistry
The Rams used their first two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, who were taken in back-to-back rounds.
The duo already had established chemistry from their time with the Seminoles in college, and they were able to build on that with the Rams.
Verse and Fiske are always pushing each other to be greater and that should be no different as they enter their second NFL season.
