Stars aligning for Braden Fiske to become force Rams dreamed he'd be

Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske did not match his rookie box-score production as a sophomore. His sack total dipped from 8.5 to three, while his tackles fell from 44 to 30. In several underlying metrics, however, his performance stayed the same or slightly improved. 

For example, his Pro Football Focus run-defense grade nudged up from 38.8 to 45.8. That's still quite poor, but it lifts Fiske out of the very bottom tier. His missed-tackle rate went from 13.7 percent to 11.8, according to Pro Football Reference.

Despite the decrease in sacks, he generated 42 total pressures and his pass-rush grade of 64.8 remained solidly above average. Fiske also ranked 14th among interior defenders in pass-rush win rate. His overall PFF mark actually climbed a tick above his rookie score. 

The arrival of Myles Garrett will make life easier for everyone on the defensive line, including Fiske. Those sack numbers will go up. With Garrett drawing double teams on every down, Fiske will have more opportunities to scoop up tackles for loss against the run. This is the year he can put it all together, rewarding the Rams for trading up to get him in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Fiske couldn't ask for better chance to reignite the hype

General manager Les Snead exchanged the No. 52 pick, the No. 155 pick, and a 2025 second-rounder to move into Carolina's slot in the second round. That is no small cost to move up 13 spots on Day 2 of the draft. He used that selection on Fiske after taking his Florida State teammate, edge rusher Jared Verse, at No. 19 overall. 

Verse is gone, off to make a name for himself as the Cleveland Browns' lead pass rusher, but Fiske remains in Los Angeles to benefit from Garrett's presence. The latter's seismic impact on the entire defense, and on the pass rush in particular, should be just the thrust the young ex-Seminole needs to boost his statistical contributions while doing the little things right.

After the 2024 season, when Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year and Fiske led the team in sacks (and came third in DROY voting), many viewed the pair with a similar degree of excitement. Neither quite exploded as hoped last year, but still, Verse differentiated himself as a young star while Fiske faded. 

Even as Garrett threatens to overshadow all others in his dominance, Fiske will have no excuse to remain unnoticed in the box score. The newest Ram and seven-time All-Pro will take the lion's share of attention from opposing offensive lines, but that just means there will be ample cleanup chances for Fiske and others. Time to shine. 

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