From Bama to the Bay: Can Chris Braswell Become the Next Star of the Buccaneers' Pass Rush?
Filling the Shaq-Sized Void
The BUCS entered the 2024 NFL Draft with many feeling there was a glaring need for a pass rusher. After the release of veteran Shaquil Barrett, the Team had a hole to fill as a starter and sack specialist. Barrett had been the incumbent starter since his arrival in 2019, amassing 45 sacks in the Pewter and Red.
Some focus on sack numbers alone to determine the worth of a pass rusher. But even when Barrett wasn’t getting the sacks, he was wreaking havoc along the offensive line, racking up 67 QB hurries, which puts him with the 5th-most from 2019-2023 behind the likes of Joey Bosa, T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and Maxx Crosby. Keep in mind that he missed half of the 2022 season with a torn Achilles.
While the Team could have used its 1st Round selection to pursue other highly regarded prospects who could have helped the pass rush(Newton, Robinson, Fiske), the Buccaneers opted to address the offensive line. Many, myself included, felt this could have handicapped the Team's chances of getting a top defensive player in the Draft. Luckily, this wasn't the case.
The question of "Can the BUCS find a suitable replacement for the pass rush?" ended in the 2 Round with the selection of Alabama standout Chris Braswell.
Diaby Doppelganger??
Braswell isn't a carbon copy of Barrett, but his skillset offers a different kind of disruption. He's more like the 2023 3rd Rounder and welcomed surprise Team sack-leader(7.5) Yaya Diaby.
The two put on comparable performances at the NFL Combine. Braswell ran a 4.6 in the 40 with a 1.59 10-yard split. Diaby clocked in at 4.5 with a 1.56 split. Braswell had a 9'7" broad jump, while Diaby posted a 10". It should be noted that Braswell weighed in at 12lbs lighter than Diaby.
Both players are more build-up power guys than quick-twitch and bendy like Barret. Yet, they both have impressive closing speed once they get an advantage over opposing linemen.
Both love to routinely utilize the long-arm technique to set up their opponents.
Braswell is entering the League with a need to develop more pass-rush moves and counters. Diaby came in with the same critique. In year one, Diaby displayed a wider array of techniques under DL Coach Kacy Rodgers as the season went on.
Jason Licht entered this year's Draft wondering what it would be like if the Team somehow had two Rachaad Whites on the roster. Well, he may have applied that hypothetical to the OLB position.
A Perfect Fit for the Buccaneers System
The Buccaneers' defensive scheme thrives on versatility. Todd Bowles has emphasized getting players who can excel at multiple techniques and points of attack. He loves putting this on display by moving his players into various positions and coverage all over the field.
Braswell's ability to win one-on-one matchups will be crucial in creating favorable situations for Tampa Bay's secondary. And he'll also be relied upon heavily against any running attack. He racked up 10.5 tackles for loss in his final year at the University of Alabama with Nick Saban. Additionally, his high motor and hustle fit perfectly with the Buccaneers' defensive identity.
““I’m a very balanced player. I can play the run. I can rush the passer. I can drop back into coverage. I can do a lot of thing, and I hope to bring that to the BUCS.””
"I'm a very balanced player. I can play the run. I can rush the passer. I can drop back into coverage. I can do a lot of thing, and I hope to bring that to the BUCS."
Patience Rewarded: From Depth to Difference Maker
Braswell's path to this point is an interesting one. Despite being a two-time member of Bruce Feldman's prestigious "Freaks List," he spent his college career at Alabama behind established stars like Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner. Choosing not to transfer for immediate starting snaps, Braswell honed his skills and emerged as a dominant force in his senior year, leading the Crimson Tide with forced fumbles and racking up impressive sack numbers.
It's expected that he'd compete for the starting spot left behind by Barrett. However, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, a 1st Round Pick from 2021, could still challenge to take that spot despite being relegated to a rotational role due to Diaby's emergence.
Knowing that Braswell has shown that he's still relentless in his effort to improve while practicing patience gives the BUCS the assurance that he can be trusted in the development process. He won't need to be an immediate star player to be productive.
Early Expectations and Long-Term Outlook
Braswell is expected to compete for immediate playing time, potentially as a rotational pass rusher. His development will be fascinating to watch. With his athleticism and work ethic, Braswell has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Buccaneers' defense for years to come.
The sack numbers may never equate to that of a prime Shaq Barrett, who got a career-high 19.5 sacks in his first season as a Buccaneer. But Braswell could become a constant disruptor who causes QB to hurry and bail on plays very shortly.
