Braden Fiske is evolving into defender who strikes fear into offensive linemen

He has appeared in 29 games and started 20 games for the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive lineman Braden Fiske has suited up for 1,089 defensive snaps and leveraged that workload into 69 tackles, 10.5 quarterback sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, 34 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

Best of all, he has only missed one tackle in 2025.

He has been described as an up-and-coming star, an unsung hero, and even as one of the defense's pinball in the trenches. But after he has fought to become relevant on a loaded defense, one thing is clear. He is becoming a defender that no NFL offensive lineman wants to face.

Fiske is delivering exactly what defensive coaches love to see from defensive linemen. He is delivering stellar results but doing so in the anonymity of the trenches. He is becoming the unsung hero that he has been expected to become, a highly productive rookie prospect who is delivering as a highly productive NFL veteran. He's not doing so for the accolades, awards, or praise of NFL analysts. It's simply who he is.

Braden Fiske is so effective thanks to his work ethic

Fiske benefits from coaching, but he doesn't rely upon it. He is attuned to his own performance, just as other successful NFL veterans. And so far, he has excelled in a rotational role along the line of scrimmage.

Even as his pass rush statistics have lessened, he has become an integral part of a defense that stuffs the run. LA has faced four of the NFL's Top 10 running backs. By season's end, that number will have increased to six. And yet, the team is 9-3, and boasts the 14th rushing defense in yards allowed, and the stingiest defense in terms of rushing touchdowns allowed.

In terms of yards per attempt, the defense clocks in as the fifth-stingiest defense. That's quite a transformation from a team that was shredded by the run just one year ago.

Fiske is one key to this defense. He didn't arrive blessed with good genetics, but he has worked his tail off to become productive and reliable for defensive coordinator Chris Shula. Shula notices the effort and continues to reward his second-year Seminole with a heavy dose of playing time.

Braden Fiske may not lead the NFL in quarterback sacks or tackles. But he is evolving into a defender that no offensive lineman wants to face. In the end, fans should be happy with the direction that Fiske is developing. Just like 2024, he seems to step up when the team needs him the most.

As always, thanks for reading.