FSU football may witness over 10 players being drafted in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, marking the highest number since the 2015 class. Among these prospects, several are anticipated to hear their names called within the first three rounds, including Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Keon Coleman, and Johnny Wilson.
Notably, Fiske and Wilson have been highlighted on USA Today’s list of top 11 boom or bust players, denoting individuals with high-risk, high-reward potential. Assessing Wilson, ranked third on the list, the commentary emphasizes his imposing stature at 6 feet 6 inches and 231 pounds, suggesting he should excel as a threat in passing offenses. However, it critiques his inconsistency in contested catches and tendency for drops, despite his physical advantages. Contrary to this assessment, Wilson’s 2023 performance indicates a mere seven percent drop rate, with all drops occurring in a single game against Southern Mississippi. Additionally, limitations in red zone targets are attributed to quarterback Jordan Travis rather than Wilson’s capabilities.
In contrast, Wilson’s athleticism and size position him favorably compared to Keon Coleman. Turning to Braden Fiske, ranked ninth on the list, his strengths lie in explosiveness off the line and adeptness in pursuing ball carriers, leading to six sacks in the previous season. However, he faces challenges when initially blocked, lacking effective counter moves and sheer strength to disengage from larger opponents.
Thoughts
Fiske faced setbacks with a shoulder injury during spring, delaying his momentum until roughly midway through the 2023 season. Moreover, he encountered frequent holding infractions from opponents, often going unnoticed by officials. Despite this, Fiske demonstrated exceptional penetration ability and rarely found himself completely shut down at the line of scrimmage.
Nevertheless, some teams might be deterred by his shorter arm measurements, prioritizing physical attributes over on-field performance.
However, his dominance in the trenches speaks volumes, suggesting his potential impact at the professional level. The only lingering concern would be his history of shoulder injuries, but if he can maintain his health, he possesses the skill set to enjoy a successful career in the NFL.
