Braden Fiske wasn’t supposed to be the most feared man on the Los Angeles Rams defense—not yet, at least. But with just a few preseason outings and early training camp domination under his belt, the rookie defensive tackle has sent an unmistakable message to every offensive coordinator in the league: you better plan for me, or I’ll end your game before it even starts.
And it all started with one bone-rattling hit during joint practices that had even seasoned veterans shaking their heads in disbelief. The Rams’ sideline erupted. Coaches froze. Scouts took furious notes. But the man in the middle of it all? Calm. Composed. Cold-blooded. That’s Braden Fiske.
With Aaron Donald retired and Kobie Turner stepping into the leadership role, many wondered who would be the next great Rams enforcer. They didn’t have to wonder for long. Fiske, drafted out of Florida State, wasted no time earning respect—first from his teammates, then from opponents.
Standing at 6’3″, 297 pounds with freakish athleticism, Fiske has that rare blend of raw strength and violent technique that turns offensive lines into revolving doors. His ability to read plays, shed blockers, and explode into the backfield has given the Rams a brand-new weapon on defense.
“I don’t play for stats. I play to make quarterbacks scared,” Fiske told reporters after a dominant scrimmage where he notched two sacks, forced a fumble, and knocked down a screen pass—all in one half of play.
Inside Rams camp, coaches are already talking about Fiske like he’s been part of the system for years. His film study habits are elite. His motor? Endless. And what’s even scarier—he’s just scratching the surface.
NFL insiders are comparing him to some of the most elite defensive tackles of the last decade. One unnamed scout even claimed, “Fiske has the potential to be more disruptive than Donald ever was in his first year. I’m not joking.”
With the Eagles looming in Week 3 and Kobie Turner demanding redemption, Braden Fiske may be the surprise X-factor that flips the script entirely. If he keeps this up, Rams fans will be shouting a new name from the stands—and offensive linemen across the league will be having sleepless nights knowing Fiske is coming for them…
And to think… this is just the beginning…