Braden Fiske has unprecedented numbers at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Braden Fiske was not a name everyone knew going into Thursday at the NFL Combine, but that changed quickly. Fiske opened their eyes as the first defensive tackle to lead his position group in the 40-yard dash (4.78), vertical jump (33.5″), and broad jump (9’9″) since Tank Johnson in 2004.
Braden Fiske (@FSUFootball) is the first defensive tackle to lead his position group in the 40-yard dash (4.78), vertical jump (33.5") and broad jump (9'9") since Tank Johnson in 2004.
Fiske leads all 2024 DTs with an 89 athleticism score pending shuttles and bench press. pic.twitter.com/rvO3QghTUB
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 29, 2024
Braden Fiske Draft Stock
Entering Thursday, Braden Fiske was considered a third-round draft selection and ranked among the top 70 players. Braden plays the interior defensive line, not the most sought-after position. This position group seems to be “top-heavy” with talent, then has a drop-off.
Some think that with the showcase he put on Feb. 29th, Fiske could climb into the top 50 players selected in the 2024 draft.
Braden Fiske Career
From 2020 to 2022, Fiske accumulated 12.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss for the Western Michigan Broncos. In 2022, as a fifth-year senior, Fiske logged playing time in 12 games and logged a total of 737 snaps for the Broncos. He added 40 tackles, 14 assists, and 36 stops. As a pass rusher, he tallied 45 total pressures, which included 32 QB hurries, 5 QB hits, and an impressive eight sacks on the season.
After the 2022 campaign, Fiske was one of the portal’s top transfer talents He chose Tallahassee as his next destination, lining up next to potential first-round pick Jared Verse.
Braden Fiske immediately made an impact, picking up three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss through the regular season, then doubled those stats in the ACC championship with an impressive performance.
Comparing Braden Fiske’s Numbers
How do Braden Fiske’s impressive numbers compare to other NFL players within the league?
Braden Fiske was first mentioned with an impressive 4.78-second 40-yard dash time. This is the fifth-best all-time by an interior defensive lineman. The average defensive tackle time is 5.06. JJ Watt (who played more defensive end) ran a 4.84 second 40. This is also faster than Patrick Mahomes ran during his draft process.
At the short shuttle drill, Fiske ran a 4.37. Aaron Donald ran a 4.39. Donald was drafted 13th overall in 2014.
Broad jump, a test noted for measuring explosiveness, Fiske jumped 117 inches, which is the same as Arik Armstead. Armstead was drafted 17th overall in 2015.
In the vertical jump, Fiske’s height was 33.5″, the same as the 19th selection in last year’s draft—the Calijah Kancey.
.@FSUFootball DT Braden Fiske
HT: 6-3 5/8 (61st percentile)
WT: 292 (16th percentile)
40: 4.78 (97th percentile)
Vert: 33.5 (91st percentile)
Broad: 9’9 (96th percentile)pic.twitter.com/drbJJOewdb— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 29, 2024
#FSU DT Braden Fiske went NUTS today at #NFLCombine
4.78 40
4.37 Short Shuttle (faster than Aaron Donald)
117'' Broad (same as '15 RD1 Arik Armstead)
33.5'' Vert (same as '23 RD1 Calijah Kancey)All of those numbers are 90th percentile and above for DTs drafted in last decade
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) March 1, 2024
For many Western Michigan and Florida State fans, Braden Fiske can back his numbers up with a top draft selection and a long NFL career.
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