Braden Fiske knows he holds vital role on Rams defense, and loves the pressure

Braden Fiske has to play his style of game

Fiske arrives to the Rams defense amidst the unspoken mounting pressure for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Not only does he know about the huge void in the defense, but he is also aware that the team made a significant investment to acquire him in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 'value' of picks required to trade up for him equate to that value of a late Round 1 pick. Can Fiske produce at that level in 2024?

Forbes' writer D.J. Siddiqi wrote about the pressure that is mounting on Braden Fiske before he plays a single snap in the NFL

"Big shoes to fill – we are talking about the greatest ever. I have said it countless times – (He) is the G.O.A.T. I full-heartedly feel that way about him (Aaron Donald) and we have had small conversations — that has been cool. It is what it is. I do not think you ever replace the G.O.A.T. I have to go out there and do what I do.

I have to be me. I have to build my own legacy and that is what I am looking forward to. I do not feel like I am really filling shoes, but I have to create my own shoes. That is kind of what it is. I am just excited to be a part of it and I know that will kind of always be the comparison of who is going to fill his shoes, but somebody has to do it.""

Braden Fiske

In the same article, Fiske also breaks down his workout routine. Now, keep in mind that this is the off-season workout regimen of a rookie that has yet to participate in his first NFL training camp. So he is already scoring high marks in #DAWGWORK philosophy:

"I get to the facility about 6:45, seven o'clock. That is when I eat, get ready, do my pre-warm up in the training room to get ready. I get my lift in first. After I lift, I go do my speed work. Right after speed, I hit about 15-to-30 minutes of position where you just sharpen the sword a little bit. Sometimes it goes over from feeling that there is some things I need to hit. But then usually after that, I hit my recovery. I have things that I work my trainers with — body wise — to get better. I try to keep a pretty good balance without being here too long. But also while getting everything I need to get done.""

Braden Fiske

Working out to prepare for the unknown scores highly in my view. Fiske is taking a proactive approach for his first training camp. And this is in the limited time between OTAs, mini-camp, and training camp.

Fiske will play well in 2024. He already has the chemistry worked out with OLB Jared Verse. And he has the type of agility and finesse that will mesh well with both DT Kobie Turner and OLB Byron Young. But how he carries himself throughout his NFL career starts now.

So far, he is starting off the right way. Put in the work, then show up on the football field, then and only then, talk about what you have managed to do. Far too many rookies lead with meaningless chatter that they will have a hard time backing up with their play.

Fiske is doing it the right way. And that process will bode well for him when the football gets snapped.

Thanks for reading.