Braden Fiske, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle, surprised many with his dominant performance at the NFL Combine. His standout performance, which included first-place finishes in multiple drills, has propelled him from a projected fourth or fifth-round pick to now being considered a potential second-round selection. Fiske’s impressive showing at the Combine has significantly increased the value of his potential contract, potentially earning him an additional $2-to-$3 million compared to his previous projections.
Although Fiske spent the majority of his collegiate career at Western Michigan, where he put up solid numbers, his one season at Florida State led to a significant increase in attention and recognition. Fiske’s success at FSU, including being named a second-team All-ACC and third-team All-American selection, has played a crucial role in boosting his draft stock. Despite producing similar numbers at Western Michigan, the competition level in the ACC and the national spotlight at FSU have made a major impact on Fiske’s draft prospects.
Following his impressive showings at the Combine and the Senior Bowl, Fiske is now in contention for a potential first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ranked as the 37th-top prospect in the draft by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Fiske has garnered attention from established NFL players, including Las Vegas Raiders’ Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby. Fiske’s performance during practices at the Senior Bowl caught the eye of Crosby, further solidifying his status as a rising prospect in this year’s draft class.
While Fiske has met with multiple teams and has visits scheduled with the Raiders, Steelers, and Chargers, he remains uncertain about where he will ultimately be drafted. The communication with various teams has been positive, but Fiske acknowledges that each team plays their cards differently leading up to the draft. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his draft position, Fiske expresses his readiness to play for any of the 32 teams in the NFL and sees each opportunity as a chance to begin his professional career on a high note.
As Fiske looks ahead to potentially joining an NFL team, he mentions the Raiders and Texans as organizations that stand out to him as potential great fits. The Raiders, with players like Crosby and Wilkins, embody a defensive style of play that resonates with Fiske’s approach to the game. Additionally, the Texans, under former linebacker and current head coach DeMeco Ryans, offer a young and up-and-coming team that aligns with Fiske’s passion and skillset on the field. Regardless of where he lands, Fiske views the opportunity to play in the NFL as a significant milestone in his lifelong pursuit of a professional football career.
