Braden Fiske
Summary
Braden Fiske was selected in Round 2 (#39 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of Florida State University. Fiske entered the league as an athletic, penetrating interior defensive lineman whose standout testing and tape made him one of the top mid-round value picks in 2024. At ~6′4″ and ~292 lbs, he displayed rare movement skills for his size—run-off the block speed, bend, and agility—making him a strong candidate for the three-technique or interior pass-rush role. That said, his scouting profile also flagged some concerns: namely, his run-defense anchor, hand-technique refinement, shorter arms, and how his length/leverage will hold up against NFL-calibre interior blockers.
Strengths
Explosive get-off and pass-rush burst for an interior lineman: He shows the ability to fire off the ball, slip guards, and generate penetration quickly. Bleacher Report
Uncommon athleticism and mobility at his size/position: His movement, hip-bend, lateral agility, and ability to recover on counters are above average for a DT.
Effective in pass-rush with diversified moves and initial quickness: He demonstrates an arm-over move, good pad height when set, and the ability to loop to the edge when required. Bleacher Report
Good awareness and ability to redirect: He shows the vision to diagnose blocks and stunts, adjust his angle, and finish his rush when given a crease.
Team-first mentality: Fiske was asked to switch teams on the day of the game at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL. He did so seamlessly and performed strongly in the game despite being unfamilar with any of the defensive calls.
Weaknesses
Under-sized for some power interior roles, and issues with anchor strength: Scouts note that he sometimes gets driven back on bull-rushes or appears less effective when engaged by multiple blockers in the run game.
Hand usage and block-shedding technique still developing: He can be late with his hands, allow his chest to be exposed, and sometimes has difficulty disengaging from blocks cleanly. Bleacher Report
Run-defense struggles and lateral anchoring concerns: His ability to hold the edge, stack blocks, and maintain gap discipline vs downhill runs is flagged as a growth area.
Length/arm-span below premium for interior rushers: His arm length and reach are not at the elite thresholds, which may limit his ability to keep blockers off his frame or win via reach.
Ceiling may depend heavily on scheme fit and coaching: Without strong development in his weaker areas and without being in a scheme that emphasizes penetration and three-technique role, his impact may be limited. Bleacher Report
Fit & Outlook
Fiske fits best in a defensive front that uses a hybrid interior pass-rush model: he thrives as a three-technique in a 4-3, or as a penetrating DT in a nickel or sub-package front, where his quickness off the snap and ability to attack gaps can be maximized. Teams that rotate interior linemen, design stunts, and allocate third-down/pass-rush reps to him will leverage his strengths most. He is less ideally suited for heavy two-gap, power-drive schemes where the interior lineman must consistently anchor one-on-one for every snap without rotation. Looking ahead, Fiske’s outlook is promising. His floor is as a high-quality rotational interior lineman who can come off the bench, rush the passer at a solid clip, and contribute effectively on early downs or passing situations. His upside is meaningful: if he refines his technique (especially handing and block-shedding), adds some strength to enhance his anchoring, and remains healthy, he could develop into a multi-down starter capable of impacting both the pass rush and run defense. The key factors will be his health, how quickly he adapts to NFL interior blocker speed/strength, and whether he lands in a system that amplifies his pass-rush traits rather than asking him to instantly be a dominant run-stopper.