NFL Draft: Florida State's Braden Fiske Popular Houston Texans Target

With the Texans' first selection at No. 42 overall, many NFL draft pundits are projecting Braden Fiske to land in Houston.

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) reacts / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Houston Texans don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there’s still plenty of buzz around the organization. Not only has Houston vaulted into true contender status, but this class of prospects also aligns well with their overall needs.

With the draft less than two weeks away, mock drafts are running full steam ahead. What are the latest takeaways from the Texans’ perspective? A defensive lineman hailing from Florida State continues to grab significant buzz as their potential top target in the second round.

Braden Fiske, a versatile defensive lineman who can play inside or out, was the Texans’ selection continuing a real theme here.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State defensive lineman Braden Fiske (DL07) works out / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“Houston addresses a big position of need with the selection of Fiske,” CBS wrote. “The Texans were interested in Arik Armstead and now land on a more cost-effective option in the draft.”

Last season for the Seminoles, Fiske racked up 43 total tackles, nine for loss, and six sacks. Also, Fiske’s testing at the NFL Scouting Combine really turned heads as an underrated athlete, firmly placing himself in the second round on consensus boards.

“Braden Fiske has the potential to become a good 3-technique defensive tackle in the NFL, especially as a pass-rusher, primarily due to his blend of strength and athleticism,” Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft scouting staff wrote. “Fiske shows a lot of impressive movement skills and hip mobility to grow as a rusher, and he’s effective as the looper in line games with good agility to gain ground vertically while moving laterally. Against the run, his lightning-quick get-off allows him to get penetration, and he has the pop in his hands to win at the point of attack.”

Fiske, who started his collegiate career at Western Michigan, would slide into an immediate role within Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense. As a rotational lineman with multi-positional versatility, Fiske is a plug-and-play piece for the Texans’ defensive line rotation.