The NFL is already looking for “the next Braden Fiske”

Braden Fiske comparisons are running rampant at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week

Ed Oliver and Calijah Kancey were supposed to be “the next Aaron Donald” for the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively.

Many across the NFL have attempted to find their own version of Sean McVay and emulate the recent success of the Los Angeles Rams.

After an impressive rookie season by Braden Fiske, even one of the best defensive prospects in this year’s NFL Draft is inspiring comparisons to the former second round pick from Florida State:

Mason Graham is a likely top 10 pick with similarities

Michigan’s Mason Graham has been on draft radars for years. He was part of the National Championship team for the Wolverines with current Rams RB Blake Corum. Graham likely won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day, he’s a frequent top five pick according to consensus boards.

Here’s an excerpt of his draft profile from Lance Zierlein. Sound somewhat familiar?

Three-technique who provides activity, effort, strength and quickness. Graham’s first-step quickness makes interior disruption inevitable. He has the instant read and response to regularly beat lateral blocks. He’s stout at the point of attack with great leverage and body control but will lose some ground against double teams. Graham’s lack of length makes it tougher for him to find quick wins as a rusher, but he more than makes up for it with his activity level and foot quickness. Harmonious hands and feet are the catalyst for his edge-to-edge counters, while his extended effort and closing burst help him get home. He may not dominate as a pro but his strength, body control and quickness should allow him to play his brand of ball and become a good starter in an upfield defensive front.

Graham and Fiske have scarily similar measurables, which made for an easy comparison:

It speaks volumes that the Rams were able to acquire Fiske in the second round and a year later it’s probable that a similar player will be drafted around 30 picks earlier. LA felt secure in their assertion that Fiske was a first round player, which explains their willingness and aggressiveness to pay a historical price in a move up for the defender.

Every team that had a first round pick passed on Fiske last spring, and now one will part with a top pick in hopes that Graham also finishes his rookie campaign with eight sacks.

Once again the Rams are in a position where they are the envy of the NFL. They maybe were the closest in the NFL to finding “the next Aaron Donald” during their replacement of Aaron Donald.