Braden Fiske must maximize unfamiliar role after Rams' Aaron Donald reunion

Aaron Donald's return has, of course, affected the Los Angeles Rams' roster and depth chart. Perhaps most directly, defensive lineman Braden Fiske will go from starter to rotational reserve. While Donald may take several weeks to reach his full-capacity workload, there's a good chance he finishes the year with 500-plus snaps. 

That means fewer reps to go around on the defensive line. And while Tyler Davis has established himself as Poona Ford's backup at nose tackle, Fiske is a defensive end in a 3-4 front, like Donald. That could make playing time harder to come by. 

It doesn't mean Fiske will be less effective. In fact, it could make him more impactful. Vulnerable against the run, Fiske should still see opportunities in passing scenarios where Ford leaves the field and the Rams opt for a three-man crew of Kobie Turner, Donald, and Fiske.

Braden Fiske can still prove himself in a more limited role

Fiske's second season was marred by injury, and it showed. After an exciting rookie campaign, his production flagged. He didn't get home as often in the pass rush (only three sacks versus 8.5). Despite starting 16 games, Fiske saw his snap count decrease. He took the field for 48 percent of defensive plays. 

He was exposed in run defense; his PFF run-D grade of 45.7 ranked just outside the bottom quartile among interior defenders. Fiske recorded only four tackles for loss versus 10 in 2024. The eye test confirmed his underwhelming impact. 

Fiske should bounce back naturally after playing basically the whole year hurt. Moreover, a more limited role could optimize his contributions. In addition to subbing in for Ford on passing downs, he should also see chances here and there giving Donald a breather on first down or second-and-medium. In shorter-yardage scenarios, the Rams can call on the versatile Davis. 

Only so many snaps will be available. If Donald essentially takes Fiske's workload from last season (542 defensive plays), adding up 2025 snap counts from Davis, Hamilton, and now-practice-squad member Larrell Murchison leaves 739 up for grabs. Hamilton is unlikely to see much action; he'd be lucky to match his rookie total. That would leave 300 snaps apiece for Davis (who played 475 last year) and Fiske. 

In that context, perhaps it seems counterintuitive to claim that this is a big year for the Florida State product. But it is. 

Donald is on a one-year contract; right now, at least, his return feels like a one-and-done event. The Rams will also need to evaluate Turner, who enters the final season of his rookie deal. Ford shouldn't be going anywhere, but his contract is structured to save the Rams $9.2 million in cap space next season if they move on. Extending younger stars could require cutting corners as the anticipated payroll squeeze commences. 

In other words, reclaiming a starting job is on the table for Fiske in 2027 - as is becoming a trade chip as soon as this season given LA's depth on the defensive line. Whatever his role, the ball is in Fiske's court to show that he deserves to stick around.

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