Rams took a Fiske in the 2024 NFL Draft, so how's that working out?

No Fiske, no reward

Some NFL Draft analysts simply did not have Braden Fiske projected off the board early in Round 2. Almost all draft analysts viewed the Rams trade with the Carolina Panthers to move up to select Fiske as a huge overpay. But the Rams did not view it that way. In fact, Rams HC Sean McVay recapped the Rams' ability to add both OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske in the draft as his dream scenario.

Now, with one game to go in the 2024 NFL season, his assessment has been confirmed as accurate.

Braden Fiske may lead rookies with quarterback sacks, but rookie OLB Jared Verse leads all rookies in terms of QB pressures. And as it turns out, for this Rams defense, you cannot separate one from the other. It's Verse who has anchored the Rams outside linebacker role for the team, adding a defensive presence that creates pressure on opposing quarterbacks, sets the edge, stuffs the run, sheds blockers, and even adds pass coverage when needed.

Fiske is the guy who fights double teams, stuffs the run, puts pressure on the quarterback right up the middle, and creates havoc across the line of scrimmage. It's not uncommon to see Verse flush the quarterback out of the pocket and into the waiting arms of Fiske or some other Rams defender.

It's the Hammer and the Anvil scenario for the Rams pass rush, a dependant situation created by two defenders who understand football fundamentals to such an extent that they dictate their terms to opposing offenses. The Rams front office and coaches understood the interdependence among teammates when assembling the roster for 2024. Two players who emerged from college football with a strong friendship and selfless commitment to compete and win were custom-fits for this Rams team.

The Rams knew what they were doing in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, based on what we have seen in their rookie seasons, Jared Verse and Braden Fiske know what they are doing as well. Thanks for reading.

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