With off-season moves, such as free agency and the draft, complete and rosters beginning to take shape, it’s time to closely examine which IDP rookies could make an immediate impact. Which teams are going to jump-start the clock and roll with rookies? One team that likely will be starting an IDP rookie is the Los Angeles Rams, with DE Braden Fiske.
Rewind to the Past
Braden Fiske started his college career at Western Michigan University where he played five seasons (including a redshirt year and the COVID year) for the Broncos. Fiske played in 45 games for the Broncos and registered totals of 148 total tackles, 75 solo tackles, 50.6% solo rate, 27½ TFLs, 13½ sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, three PBUs, and one blocked kick. In his final season (22’) with the Broncos, Fiske had his best year playing in 12 games, setting personal bests with 58 tackles, 31 solo stops, 53.4% solo rate, 12 TFLs, six sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovery, and three PBUs. He would also earn All-MAC 2nd team honors.
With one year of eligibility left, Fiske would transfer to Florida State. He played just one season with the Seminoles, earning All-ACC 2nd team honors. Fiske played and started all 13 games while recording 43 total tackles, 17 solo tackles, a 39.5% solo rate, nine tackles for a loss, and six sacks. Over the last five games of the season, he recorded 8½ TFLs and six sacks. In the ACC Championship game, Fiske put on a dominating performance (nine tackles, 4½ TFLs, & three sacks) versus the Louisville Cardinals, which officially sent his draft stock soaring. The Los Angeles Rams selected Fiske in the 2nd round with the 39th overall pick of the NFL Draft.
Back to the Future
After selling their soul (draft picks) for a Championship, it’s taken a couple of years but the Rams have started using their draft picks for themselves. The pick that they used on Fiske is one that they are super glad they had in hindsight after superstar DT Aaron Donald retired in March after 10 seasons in the NFL. It’s unfathomable to think that replacing Donald is even possible, regardless the Rams had a huge void to fill, and drafting Fiske is about as close as you can get. Fiske is an all-motor type of player who isn’t afraid to put in the work and do what needs to be done at one of the most important positions on the defensive side.
He has the versatility to play both inside and outside with the ability to produce at a high level. Fiske is impressively mobile for a player of his size (6’4”/292 lbs) and he backed that up at the NFL combine. The big thing for Fiske is that he won’t have to replace Donald alone, as the Rams have a nice young nucleus to put around him, as they collectively fill the loss of Donald. With that in mind, this is a great opportunity for Fiske to get that on-the-job training that is so valuable for any player.
Fantasy Breakdown
For fantasy purposes, Fiske is most likely to have multiple position designations (DL/DT/DE), depending on both the IDP format and the site on which you play your fantasy team on. The boost to his fantasy value will come from his versatility and the Ram's ability to create favorable matchups for him.. Again I’m not saying he’s Aaron Donald, but he’s stepping into a role that has had proven production. If Fiske can produce at least half of the numbers that Donald did, that’s a nice return on your investment. Ourlads.com has Fiske listed as the current starter at DE, with last year's rookie phenom Kobie Turner at DT, and Bobby Brown in the middle at nose tackle. Add in edge rushers Byron Young and rookie Jared Verse and Fiske is in a great position to succeed.
The ADP for Fiske in rookie drafts currently stands at 45.1, which is roughly the start of the 4th round in most leagues. He’s the third DT being drafted, behind Byron Murphy (34/ADP) and Darius Robinson (41.8/ADP). I personally would take Fiske over either of those players. His best value is going to be in position-specific leagues and the deeper the rosters the better. Pick 45 is a little earlier than I would prefer to draft Fiske but considering the ADP, I don’t believe that’s too far off if you have a need at the position. Adding Fiske to your IDP portfolio is one that will provide a good return, but my advice is to temper your expectations for him and be patient. Playing on the defensive front is tough for anyone, especially rookies. A great taxi squad addition!
All stats provided by Pro Football Reference
Thanks for reading my article. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). Follow me on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub — I’m user KingTitan1 — and tune in each week and listen to IDP Nation and Devy IDP Grind, the podcasts that I co-host, on several different platforms. Feel free to email or dm me with any questions, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
