It’s nearly a given that the Los Angeles Chargers will prioritize selecting a defensive lineman early in the 2024 Draft. Jim Harbaugh has consistently emphasized building successful teams starting from the line of scrimmage, and currently, the Chargers’ defensive line is lacking stability. With Morgan Fox being the sole returning starter, and only Poona Ford added in free agency, there’s still significant room for improvement in bolstering their defensive front.
Los Angeles Chargers Draft: Jim Harbaugh Zags, Picks Top D-Lineman In 1st Round
Braden Fiske emerges as a prospective candidate for the Chargers, with reports from The Draft Network indicating a scheduled meeting between him and the Los Angeles Chargers, along with several other teams.
Although initial mock drafts project him to be selected early in the second round, Fiske’s remarkable performance at the NFL Combine has propelled discussions about him potentially entering the first round. His exceptional speed and agility drills position him among the elite athletes in his position group. However, some concerns arise regarding his weight and length, prompting questions about his suitability for Jim Harbaugh’s trench-centric approach. This evaluation is supported by a chart provided by Mockdraftable.
Is Fiske a Fit For the Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Line?
During his sole season at Florida State, Fiske showcased his abilities by amassing impressive statistics, including 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks.
The ideal scenario for the Chargers would be to secure Fiske’s services at pick 37 in the second round, or through a potential trade-back from the fifth overall pick to the mid-20s or early 30s. However, this may be viewed as a reach by some draft analysts. For instance, Dane Brugler ranks him just inside the top 100 prospects at 90, while Pro Football Focus rates him much higher as the 39th-best prospect in the draft.
Targeting Fiske as a Day 2 selection suggests that the Chargers are open to using their fifth overall pick on a wide receiver.
