​Braden Fiske made a substantial impact for the Los Angeles Rams as a rookie in 2024, appearing in all 17 games and pacing the team with 8.5 sacks. His sophomore season in 2025, however, brought a noticeable dip across his key statistics. He finished with 30 tackles and three sacks, plus four tackles for a loss after posting 10 as a rookie. While the decline was disappointing, it may not be entirely on him. He played the same number of games but logged 119 fewer defensive snaps due to injuries. After recovering from a knee injury sustained in the 2024 playoffs, he later appeared on the injury report with an oblique issue in Week 3 and ankle injuries in Weeks 16 and 17.
Despite the ups and downs, Fiske remains a critical component of the Rams’ defense, and if he stays healthy, he could be poised for a much-needed bounce-back year in 2026. He ranks No. 19 on our list of the Rams’ most important players. The Rams invested heavily to draft Fiske in 2024, pairing him with college teammate Jared Verse as their second selection of the year. They moved up from No. 52 to 39, sending the Panthers a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a second-rounder in 2025. As he enters what is often a pivotal third year, there is a strong possibility for continued development. If Fiske can reclaim aspects of his 2024 form, his impact could be significant.
In 17 games (16 starts) last season, Fiske recorded 30 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 4 tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, and 1 batted pass. Unless Aaron Donald returns from retirement, Fiske is expected to continue starting alongside Kobie Turner and Poona Ford. He typically lines up as a 3-5 technique, demonstrating versatility on the defensive line by rushing against guards and tackles. This arrangement is likely to persist in 2026, even if Donald remains out, at least for most of the season, allowing Fiske to retain his starting role.
Fiske can play all three downs, but his strengths shine as a pass rusher, especially in obvious passing situations on third down and during second-and-long scenarios. Despite the drop in sack numbers from 8.5 to 3.0, he still generated considerable pressure last season. Pro Football Focus credited him with 50 pressures on 457 pass-rush snaps in 2025, compared with 59 pressures on 464 pass-rush snaps in 2024. This shows continued effectiveness as a disruptor in the passer game, even as overall production declined.
The Rams’ defensive philosophy has long centered on the strength of the defensive line, and Fiske has been a key piece of that approach. Alongside Turner and Ford, he has helped apply interior pressure and disrupt opposing passing games, though he still has room to grow as a run defender. With his ability to quickly penetrate the backfield, slip past blockers, and disrupt plays, Fiske can force hurried throws and prevent long completions down the field. Pairing Fiske and Turner inside with edge players like Myles Garrett and Byron Young gives the Rams a formidable front that can cause constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
As the Rams prepare for 2026, Fiske’s health will be a major determinant of his production and the team’s overall defensive success. If he can stay on the field and regain his 2024 form, he has the talent to once again be a game-changing presence from the interior, helping the Rams maintain pressure on opponents and create opportunities for other defenders to capitalize on rushed plays.