Jaguars must monitor this DL prospect after impressive outing at NFL Scouting Combine

The Jacksonville Jaguars must fortify the offensive line this offseason but the defensive trenches could also get a boost. Given that they may have bigger needs to address in the draft, Florida State's Braden Fiske would be an ideal option, especially after an outstanding performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Friske turned heads at this year's scouting combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds. He even went viral because you could hear him saying "Oh yeah" while he was crossing the finish line because he knew he posted a good time. The former Seminole then followed that up with a 4.37-second time on the 20-yard shuttle and a 33 1/2-inch vertical.

At 292 pounds, Fiske may need to bulk up to thrive in the NFL, at least according to Chad Reuter of NFL Media. That will be up for teams to decide but there's no doubt he made the most of his chance at the combine to shine. Here's another clip of Fiske showing out.

Other defensive linemen Reuter believes also saw their stock go up after testing at the combine are Dallas Turner, Chop Robinson, and T'Vondre Sweat. The difference is that all three are projected to go either in the first or second round, whereas Friske is seen as a late Day 2/early Day 3 pick.

A three-star prospect out of high school, Fiske is a superb athlete with outstanding burst. Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department believes he can thrive as a three-technique defensive end due to his bend, strength, and athleticism. On the other hand, Holder notes that Fiske must do a better job of using his hands, as he "often gets caught with his hand down by his waist."

On top of that, Fiske will be a 24-year-old rookie, which may limit his potential ceiling. Either way, Holder thinks he's "worth betting on," calling him a potential role contributor and giving him a fourth-round grade.

Braden Fiske would be a great depth addition to the Jaguars D-Line

The Jaguars could most definitely bolster their defensive line rotation. DaVon Hamilton was expected to have a breakout season in 2023 but a non-football back injury forced him to miss time and hindered his production. Also, Roy Robertson-Harris is a reliable player but far from a game-changer.

By adding another player to their rotation, both Hamilton and Roberston-Harris will stay fresher, and in turn, be more productive. Byron Murphy and T'Vondre Sweat would be great options in Rounds 1 and 2, respectively. The issue is that the Jaguars may have more pressing needs in the draft, so they may pass on both. That makes Braden Fiske an enticing option in the third and fourth rounds.

Fiske won't suddenly go in the first round just because he tested well at the combine. However, it should make the Jags go back to his tape and revisit their assessment.

As Holder said, he's got the traits to succeed in the NFL and Jacksonville has an outstanding defensive coordinator in Ryan Nielsen who puts an emphasis on fundamentals and technique. Add the fact that Nielsen's area of expertise is the defensive line and Fiske would be an intriguing developmental pick.

It will be interesting to see what changes the Jacksonville Jaguars make to their defensive line this offseason. But if they don't bring in a veteran in free agency, Braden Fiske would be a solid option in the draft.

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