Braden Fiske is locked into making 2024 a season to remember for Rams fans

The LA Rams wanted Braden Fiske badly

The LA Rams roster was sorely lacking at the defensive front. Not only did Aaron Donald retire, but starting DE Jonah Williams' contract expired, forcing the team to shop for two new starting defensive linemen on a 3-4 defensive front. Of course, the plan to address the vacant starting roles was already in motion, as the team had other players already on the roster who competed for playing time at thos positions. But even in a utopian world of backups rising to elite NFL starters instantly, the team needed reinforcements in a big way.

The team made an informed decision on draft day to trade up to select Braden Fiske. But it was clear that the draft strategy had already prioritized the defensive tackle role, as the team was seen seeking a chance to trade up to select Texas DL Byron Murphy II in the Roku Channel's NFL Draft: The Pick is In.

It you did not have the opportunity to see this year's episode, here is the video trailer:

What was more important to this discussion is the fact that the brass coveted four players in this draft by name: Georgia TE Brock Bowers, Texas DT Byron Murphy II, Florida State OLB Jared Verse, and Florida State DT Braden Fiske.

Okay, so what about Fiske makes him a great value and fit in this defense? Let's start with his NFL.com Draft Profile where he is assessed as Will Eventually Be A Plus Starter. That type of summary projection is rare for rookie prospects. In terms of defensive tackles chosen, the same NFL.com draft board ranked Fiske as the fourth-best rookie prospect at his position, but he was actually the fifth defensive tackle taken off the board.