The first day of athletic testing and on-field drills at the 2024 NFL Combine featured a talented group of defensive tackles, defensive ends, and linebackers. Out of the field, there might not have been a single player who improved their stock more than former Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske.
Despite coming in slightly undersized at 6-foot-3 5/8 and 292 pounds, Fiske absolutely dominated the testing portion of the combine. He finished first among his group in the 40-yard dash (4.78 seconds), 20-yard shuttle (4.37 seconds), broad jump (9'9"), and vertical jump (33.5 inches). Fiske recorded a faster 40-time than one linebacker and four defensive ends.
The impressive performance earned Fiske a 9.97 Relative Athletic Ranking. That number ranks No. 6 out of 1,620 defensive tackles from 1987 to 2024. To say the least, that's pretty good and the outing should earn him more money when April rolls around. Fiske wasn't the only former Seminole to show out as potential first-round pick Jared Verse and linebacker Kalen DeLoach also displayed their speed.
Verse was one of the standouts of the defensive end group, ranking fourth in the 40-yard dash with a 4.58-second time at 254 pounds. He also finished third in the 20-yard shuttle (4.44 seconds), third in the three-cone drill (7.31 seconds), and tied for third in the broad jump (10'7"). The showing likely solidified his status as a first round pick.
NFL decision-makers will have a tough time separating Verse, Alabama's Dallas Turner, UCLA's Laiatu Latu, Penn State's Chop Robinson on draft boards. With that being said, Verse's explosiveness and shiftiness for his size are truly remarkable.
DeLoach entered the day needing a solid round of testing to put himself in a position to be selected in April. He did just that as the standout linebacker recorded a blazing fast 4.47-second 40-yard dash, ranking second among his position group. DeLoach also finished with a 30.5-inch vertical jump and a 9'11" broad jump.
With his combination of production, development, and proven athleticism, there's a possibility that a team falls in love with DeLoach down the stretch. He's undersized but is a fiery competition and someone who has gotten better and better throughout his career.
Not to beat a dead horse, but Thursday was another condemnation of the College Football Playoff committee and the opportunity they stole from Florida State. The Seminole stars are the early story in Indianapolis and a reminder that football is played on the field - not in hotel conference rooms.
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