The 2024-2025 Los Angeles Rams season is a game of runs. This year has been a rollercoaster for Rams fans, with, uncertainty, injuries, trade rumors and big victories. The one bright spot of consistency however has been the rookie class, particularly the defensive duo from Florida State.
Outside linebacker Jared Verse and defensive lineman Braden Fiske are two of the top defensive rookies in the NFL. Verse is the runaway favorite for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award on every major betting platform. After his performance in the Rams’ win over the New England Patriots, Fiske broke into the top five.
Rams Second-Round Pick Makes a Case for a Major Award
Fiske’s Week 11 performance was one for the record books. He became the first Ram to record two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in his first 10 career games. With his two sacks on Sunday, he passed his Seminoles and Rams teammate Verse to lead all rookies in the statistic.
While Fiske’s power is obvious just by looking at his 6’4″ 290-pound frame, he has underrated speed for a defensive tackle. At the combine, he had the fastest 40-yard dash for his position group at 4.78 seconds. The Rams’ second-round pick also ranked first in the vertical and broad jumps, tying in the short shuttle with current Pittsburgh Steeler Logan Lee.
The former Seminole’s athleticism shone through on Sunday. His first sack and forced fumble on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was the fastest for any defensive lineman this season. It also marked the third-fastest sack in the 2024-2025 campaign.
Fiske’s performances earned him the plaudits of head coach Sean McVay, who sang his praises for the rookie after Monday’s practice.
“It’s just a cool display of hard work paying off like Aaron Donald used to say,” McVay said. “Fiske has been awesome. He’s a stud. He’s been a major factor the last couple weeks, especially as it relates to affecting and influencing the game from a pressure perspective.”
Verse vs. Fiske
While Verse’s performance on Sunday reflects an overall stellar rookie season, in all likelihood the coveted Defensive Rookie of the Year Award will go to Verse. Verse is second in rookie sack totals with 4.5 and is tied for sixth in tackles for loss among all players with 11. When it comes to advanced metrics, he is PFF’s highest-graded rookie defender.
No matter who wins the award come February, the fact that both Fiske and Verse ended up in Rams blue is a credit to general manager Les Snead and the team’s scouting department. Fiske’s selection, as well as picking safety Kamren Kinchens in the third round highlight the team’s ability to sniff out talent on day two.
Week 12
Going forward, Week 12 may be Fiske’s hardest challenge yet. The Rams will host the Philadelphia Eagles, featuring one of the best offensive line units in the league.
Fiske often plays on the right side of LA’s defensive line. If this holds on Sunday, expect plenty of one-on-one matchups with left guard Landon Dickerson. Dickerson has not allowed a sack in four weeks, but he has yet to play Fiske.
Main Photo Courtesy of Joe Nicholson – Imagn Images
