Early in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams made sure to target the defensive line. In the first round, the team selected pass rusher Jared Verse and in the second round, defensive tackle Braden Fiske, two former Florida State Seminoles.
Adding to the defensive line was imperative when Aaron Donald announced his retirement this offseason, and Fiske will be one of many players counted on to do the unthinkable and replace the void left by the all-time great.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Rams signed Fiske to a four-year contract worth $9.4 million after trading up in the second round to acquire him.
The #Rams agreed to terms with No. 39 pick Braden Fiske on a four-year, $9,410,122 contract that includes a $3,663,724 signing bonus, per source. The deal has $7,643,653 fully guaranteed at signing, including 15% of his Year 4 salary. Deal done by @AgentGrady_ @gradysports. pic.twitter.com/cEi6Zo3KGd
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 10, 2024
Fiske has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Rams’ defensive line, which already boasts promising young talent. During his final year at Florida State, he earned second team All-ACC honors, tallying impressive stats including 43 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks. Prior to his time at Florida State, Fiske showcased his abilities at Western Michigan, accumulating 148 total tackles and 27 tackles for loss over four seasons.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73247100/1828927924.0.jpg)
With Fiske joining last year’s rookies Kobie Turner and Byron Young, as well as Bobby Brown and Michael Hoecht, the Rams’ defensive line looks exceptionally promising. Fiske’s athleticism and knack for disrupting plays in the backfield make him an ideal addition, providing the Rams with yet another impactful player from the draft.
The Rams’ proactive approach to drafting was evident in their trade-up to secure Fiske. General Manager Les Snead emphasized the team’s targeted approach, aiming to add a pass rusher like Jared Verse in the first round and then aggressively pursuing a defensive tackle like Fiske in the second. Despite parting with next year’s second-round pick, the Rams were determined to acquire Fiske, viewing him as a crucial addition to their roster.