1,000 Oaks, California – Braden Fiske, a rookie defensive tackle for the Rams, will probably always remember this particular moment since so many people have emailed it to him.
The Rams general manager Les Snead’s famous call on the second day of the draft is, of course, the moment.
“I think it just fuels my hunger,” Fiske expressed to theRams.com. “I mean, having 50 people send me the (Behind The) Grind video, that’s a great feeling. It’s affirming to see the positive reaction from the people here in the building – knowing they want me here in L.A. They’re bringing in someone they truly believe in, someone they had their eye on drafting all along. That’s pretty cool because I had no clue I was headed to the Rams.”
Now six weeks into his journey since receiving that call, Fiske has wrapped up his first offseason program with the Rams. Reflecting on his time during OTAs, he remarked that it’s been a rewarding experience, particularly for rookies.
“During OTAs, you start to get a sense of where you stand, not just in terms of talent, but also physically. You figure out what areas you need to improve on,” Fiske explained. “You also get a glimpse of the playbook and how it translates onto the field. That’s been invaluable. And being around the guys has been the best part. You really feel the camaraderie in the room, especially in the d-line room with all the guys I’m working alongside.”
In delving into the playbook, Fiske noted the various strategies and tactics the coaching staff employs to position players for success. He praised defensive line coach/run game coordinator Giff Smith for his astute understanding of the game and his ability to create opportunities for the Rams’ defensive linemen. Fiske also expressed appreciation for assistant defensive line coach A.C. Carter and the entire coaching staff, relishing the opportunity to learn from their expertise.
Beyond his own perspective, Fiske was struck by the youthfulness of the defense.
“As a unit, our defense has a pretty dynamic mentality,” Fiske observed. “We lean towards the younger side, but we’ve got guys who are relentless, always seeking opportunities to make plays. I believe we complement each other well on the field. I’m eager to witness what we can achieve together.”
Adding to the significance of his draft call was the moment when he heard his former Florida State teammate and Rams’ first-round draft pick, Jared Verse, on the other end of the line after head coach Sean McVay passed the phone to Verse.
Fiske and Verse formed a formidable pass-rush duo on the Seminoles’ defensive line, particularly effective when lined up together. The prospect of building on that chemistry as they embark on their NFL careers adds an extra layer of excitement to this moment.
“It’s special to continue building on what we had at Florida State and apply it to this defense,” Fiske shared. “There’s ample opportunity for both of us to thrive here, and I’m enthusiastic about our potential growth as a unit. The bond we share, our hunger for success, it’s something we’ve both been striving for. I anticipate it being a thrilling journey. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together. It’s going to be quite the ride.”