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Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske showed out at the NFL Combine on Thursday, posting an incredible 40-yard dash time. The big man flashed impressive athleticism for a player his size, giving teams something to think about with the selection process around the corner.
Fiske wrapped up his senior season in 2023 by helping the Seminoles post a perfect 12-0 regular season before winning the ACC. Anchoring a unit that ranked 28th in total defense and sixth in sacks, the lineman has already gained interest from a number of teams throughout the NFL.
That includes both the Colts and the Bears, who appear to be in need of depth along the front four.
While at the Senior Bowl earlier this offseason, he learned all about that Chicago defensive scheme, chatting with franchise members in attendance. Just before the Combine started, Fiske met with Indianapolis brass to discuss the possibility of becoming a part of the franchise.
The tackle is originally from the state of Indiana, making the Colts a potential favorite in terms of draft suitors.
“I grew up a huge Colts fan,” he said while talking with the media in Lucas Oil Stadium. “Still am a huge Colts fan. I grew up with the Peyton Manning era… with Freeney & Mathis. I wouldn’t mind playing up here, that’d be awesome.”
He’s certainly given them something to consider.
Braden Fiske ran a blazing 4.78 40-yard dash at 300 pounds.
“OH YEAH!”
Braden Fiske knew his 4.78u 40 was a good one. 😂
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/sfsqrJ3NCy— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2024
“Oh yeah,” you can hear him say upon crossing the finish line. He knew it was a fantastic showing.
For reference, it’s about a half-second quicker than Tom Brady ran in his NFL Combine more than two decades ago.
A number of others in the defensive tackle category also impressed, including 366-pound T’Vondre Sweat who posted a time of 5.27. Fellow 300-pounder Byron Murphy also flashed with a 4.88 unofficial time.
Still, there weren’t many more impressive than Fiske, who’s already doing his part to raise that draft stock.