Unsung hero of the Rams’ defense is about to become a household name

Through five weeks of the 2025 season, Brayden Fiske has made his mark as one of the key tone-setters along Los Angeles’ defensive interior.

Though his pressure total sits at nine -- down from the 15 he tallied through the same span during his rookie campaign last fall -- his impact has been undeniable. In his second year, Fiske’s game has become more layered, more controlled, and ultimately more disruptive within the Rams’ youth-infused front seven.

What makes Fiske such a valuable piece for Los Angeles is his positional versatility. The former Florida State standout can align at the one-tech in odd fronts, absorbing double teams and anchoring against the run, or slide to the three-tech, where his explosiveness becomes a real problem for interior blockers.

Braden Fiske's versatility will make him a star

His first step is among the most violent among league interior defensive linemen, capable of crossing a guard’s face before the lineman can even set his base. That burst allows him to consistently stress blocking angles, particularly when slanting into gaps or stunting off movement from the edge.

Fiske’s leverage and power also make him a menace in one-on-one situations.

He’s developed a better sense of timing when attacking the chest of opposing guards -- locking out, reading the set, and using his hands to either shed or drive linemen backward. Against zone-heavy run schemes, his ability to stay square, disengage, and flow laterally through traffic has stood out.

The flashes of dominance that defined his rookie tape have become more routine plays in Year 2.

Where he’s grown most, though, is as a pass rusher in isolation.

With Jared Verse often commanding double teams off the edge and Byron Young continuing to develop into a steady presence opposite him, Fiske’s matchups inside have become cleaner.

His ability to win on the outside shoulder of guards, rip through contact, and close down quickly on quarterbacks has been a stabilizing factor in a defense that’s still gelling post-Aaron Donald. His quickness and effort complement Kobie Turner’s length and strength, giving defensive coordinator Chris Shula the flexibility to mix alignments and stunts to maximize disruption.

While the stat sheet doesn’t fully capture Fiske’s early-season impact, his tape does.

He’s a relentless, technically sound interior defender who gives Los Angeles a foundational piece to build around inside.

The Rams’ front may still be evolving, but with Fiske anchoring the interior and flashing the traits of a long-term difference-maker, Los Angeles has found one of the league’s most underrated young disruptors up front.

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