NFL Combine 2024: Braden Fiske could be Khalen Saunders-esque player for Chiefs

It's NFL Combine week, which means NFL prospects will be moving up and down draft boards based on athletic testing and a host of other activities from Indianapolis. One of the big winners in the early going is Florida State's Braden Fiske.

Fiske is a 6'3", 292 lb. defensive tackle who finished his career at FSU after starting at Western Michigan. Fiske is a traditional mauler (doesn't wear gloves) who is a nightmare to block in one-on-one situations. He's got a knack for penetration and leverage, and he's earned 12 sacks over the last two seasons as well, so there is some ability as a pass rusher. He's not the biggest interior presence but his best reps showcase elite production.

Braden Fiske turned heads at the NFL Combine with a strong day among defensive linemen.

In Indianapolis Fiske raised eyebrows for scouts at the Combine with his performance in various drills.

Those are interesting measurables for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. While there's no replacing Chris Jones, Fiske is an attempt at upgrading from Derrick Nnadi and Matt Dickerson. Neil Farrell will certainly factor into the interior rotation for 2024 as well. Fiske does have more pass-rush ability than Farrell and could potentially be a passing-down interior player along with Tershawn Wharton (if he's brought back).

Fiske figures could have a similar role to Khalen Saunders for the Chiefs in 2022. He's not a true nose or a true gap-shooting interior presence but he can do a little of both. Fiske is a little old for the Chiefs, as they tend to like to draft players 23 or younger, but he might be a nice value on Day 2.

Braden Fiske metrics:

• Height: 6’3’’ 5/8
• Weight: 292
• Hand: 9 3/8 inches
• Arm Length: 31 inches
• Wingspan: 76 3⁄4 inches
• Vertical Leap: 33 1⁄2 inches
• Broad Jump: 9’9’’
• 40-yard dash: 4.78 seconds with a 1.68 10-yard split. (unofficial)

The Chiefs have historically prioritized measurables in the trenches and Fiske has sub 33 inch arms which is one mark against his profile. But there's lots to be excited about with his profile.