By Sunday 
A Breakout Rookie Season That Silenced Doubters
When the Los Angeles Rams selected Florida State’s Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was widely regarded as a steal. But what followed—a bold trade-up to secure his college teammate, defensive tackle Braden Fiske—raised more than a few eyebrows.
Many questioned the decision, wondering if the Rams had overreached. After all, moving up from the 52nd to the 39th overall pick came at a cost: two second-rounders and a fifth-rounder. But now, with hindsight, that move looks like a masterstroke.
Defying Expectations from Day One
Fiske was seen by some as simply playing in the shadow of Verse. But once the season kicked off, it became clear that he was carving out his own identity in the NFL. Not only did he finish third in Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) voting, but he also led all rookies in quarterback sacks with 8.5—a stat that speaks volumes about his impact.
His final rookie stat line was impressive:
- 44 tackles
- 8.5 sacks (most among rookies)
- 10 tackles for loss
- 10 QB hits
- 51 quarterback pressures
Fiske was relentless, constantly disrupting offensive lines and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. While Verse was the big-name prospect, Fiske’s work in the trenches was just as critical to the Rams’ defensive resurgence.
Fueling a Competitive Fire
Despite his stellar performance, Fiske fell short in the DROY race, finishing behind two other rookies. But rather than being discouraged, this snub might serve as the perfect motivation heading into 2025.
The Rams now have a dynamic duo in Verse and Fiske—two players who know each other well and push each other to be better. Their friendly rivalry at Florida State carried over into the NFL, and there’s little doubt that both will be striving for even greater dominance in their sophomore campaigns.
A Future Star in the Making
Fiske’s rookie year proved he was far more than just a complementary piece to Verse. His ability to generate pressure, disrupt plays, and lead all rookies in sacks solidifies his place as a rising star on the Rams’ defensive front.
If his first season is any indication, this is just the beginning.