Grading the Rams' trade up to No. 39 in second round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Los Angeles Rams are taking a full send — and full Seminoles approach — in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.  The team traded up to pick  No. 39 (traded for pick No. 155) on Friday in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Florida State defensive […]

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Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) reacts after a tackle on Louisville Cardinals running back Jawhar Jordan (25) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams are taking a full send — and full Seminoles approach — in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The team traded up to pick  No. 39 (traded for pick No. 155) on Friday in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select former Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

Fiske was a huge difference-make for the Seminoles with his athleticism and overall production, posting 43 tackles and six sacks in just one season. Over his four seasons with the Western Michigan Broncos, he amassed 148 tackles, two pass deflections 13.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.

Perhaps his best performance was in the ACC Championship game when he totaled 9 tackles and 3 sacks, helping the Seminoles to their first conference title in nearly 10 years.

Here's how the Rams' second selection grades out.

Grade: B+

The Rams have wasted no time in the Draft replacing what they lost after Aaron Donald's retirement, taking Florida State Seminoles edge rusher Jared Verse at No. 19 overall in the first round of the event and adding his teammate in the second round.

Fiske will make an immediate impact on the defensive line as Donald's replacement, also adding some juice to a Los Angeles pass rush that has been lacking.

The level of explosiveness he will bring to Los Angeles was on full display in the film he put up at Florida State, but also turned heads at the 2024 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

There, he ran a 4.78-second time on the 40-yard dash. (1.68 10-yard split). Here's a look at his full Combine numbers:

  • 40-yard dash: 4.78 seconds (1.68 10-yard split)
  • Bench press (225 pounds): 26 reps
  • Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 9-feet-9 inches
  • 3-cone drill: N/A
  • Shuttle run: 4.37 seconds