In today's NFL bringing pressure directly up the middle to disrupt the passing game is more important than ever. Defensive line prospects are being prioritized earlier than ever in the NFL Draft as teams try to find the right big men up front to create chaos for opposing offenses. There were four defensive tackles who went inside round one last year alone. And as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches it seems several teams are looking to add defensive line help, as was made evident at the Michigan and Florida State pro days on Friday.
But which NFL teams seem the most interested in taking defensive lineman early? The Raiders, Vikings, Jets, and Saints staffers were all seen spending time with defensive line prospects at both the Florida State and Michigan pro days on Friday. The Vikings and Saints went as far as to send their defensive line coach specifically to the Michigan pro day. But a rising favorite prospect of all four of the aforementioned NFL teams seems to be Braden Fiske, star defensive lineman from Florida State.
In fact, Jim Nagy shared video of Braden Fiske working out for staff members from the Raiders, Vikings, Jets, and Saints at the Florida State pro day today. Fiske reportedly had an incredible workout, further increasing his NFL Draft stock.
Braden Fiske has quickly risen from "day three prospect" to "potential top 50 player" in less than two months. Why the steep rise? Fiske annihilated his competition in practices all week long when I watched him at the Senior Bowl two months ago. When I asked several offensive lineman there who their toughest matchup was during one-on-ones Fiske was the most popular name among all interior defensive line prospects by far.
Once NFL staff members had the chance to interview Fiske and see how dominant he was against the best players in the country many coaches and scouts went back for a second look at his profile. When we look at Fiske's incredible experience with over 2200 snaps played, a career pass rush pressure rate over 11%, and consistent improvement year over year it's clear why so many NFL teams have come around on him.
After today's workouts there was buzz that he could be considered a top 40 pick by a few teams, so expect to hear his name called early in the NFL Draft.
Kris Jenkins was the most notable Michigan defensive line prospect, and his pro day did not disappoint. He reportedly tested extremely well for his size in agility drills at his size, and multiple scouts loved his get-off at the snap.
According to Jim Nagy (Executive Director of the Senior Bowl), the Vikings and Saints had defensive line coaches present to see Jenkins and the 17 other Michigan prospects who were invited to the NFL Combine a few weeks back.
Kris Jenkins doesn't possess the same top notch pressure numbers in pass rush situations like Braden Fiske, but Jenkins makes up for it by being an elite run stuffer, missing around only 5% of his tackles in the last two years. He was once considered a top 40 prospect in this class by many draft analysts, and even after a lackluster NFL Combine should still likely be selected before the midpoint of round three.
Expect both Braden Fiske and Kris Jenkins to come off the board early in the 2024 NFL Draft. And be watching for the Raiders, Vikings, Jets, and Saints to invest in defensive line early.
Be looking for more NFL Draft and pro day coverage in the coming weeks here at A to Z Sports. Be sure to follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest news!
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