Tampa stuck with the trenches at No. 57 overall.

The Buccaneers found their Shaquill Barrett replacement Friday, as they selected Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell with the No. 57 overall pick of the second round.

It’s another big investment in the trenches and again fits the Bucs’ profile of freaky athletes, but will Braswell be an instant contributor? Let’s examine.

Chris Braswell Career Stats

Braswell, a former 5-star recruit, is a unique case in that he’s actually started very few games in his career (just two) due to playing behind some nobodies named Will Anderson and Dallas Turner. Snark aside, Braswell maximized his increased opportunities in 2023.

After recording 5.5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in the previous two years combined, Braswell busted out for 10.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed and interception (returned for a TD). He even led the Crimson Tide in QB pressures (56) ahead of Turner, who went top 20 in Round 1.

In 41 total games, he recorded 76 total tackles (16 for loss), 11 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.

Athletic Testing

Braswell’s measurables and physical talents are well-documented. He was twice named to analyst Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks” list, as Braswell’s been recorded running as fast as 21.9 mph and squatting 705 pounds.

He’s got so-so size (6-foot-3, 251 pounds), but he’s strong with some impressive speed-to-power reps on tape (though he didn’t bench). He tested out as an elite athlete overall, per Relative Athletic Score.

Speed testing numbers demonstrate his burst, as he possesses an exciting first step to get the upper hand on linemen. He received a similarly strong athletic score from Next Gen Stats, garnering a 74 to place 11th amongst defensive ends/edges who attended the NFL Combine.

What Type of Player Is Chris Braswell?

Braswell’s minuscule snap count in college means a limited snapshot of his potential relative to other prospects, but the high points are encouraging and definitely worth rolling the dice on.

An active hand fighter who already works with some advanced moves in his tool kit, like a stab and swipe, Braswell can throw tackles off-balance with his long arms (33 1/4”) and excellent first step. Those same arms and hands make him a strong tackler who can secure runners, and he pairs that with good awareness and vision into the backfield.

When playing the run is an absolute necessity in Tampa, Braswell sports a good base for getting on the field for more than just obvious passing downs.

His level of understanding, like how to set up linemen with a string of different moves, should only improve under a great tutor like linebackers coach George Edwards, who has many success stories under his belt (most recently YaYa Diaby). Braswell needs to improve his discipline and ability to drop in coverage (a Todd Bowles must for edge players), but again those issues should be expected when the on-field reps were so limited.

That all said, Braswell’s limited natural bend around the edge and thinner frame could be obstacles to being a true difference-maker as a quarterback hunter. He’s got “solid” written all over him, but can he be great? Time will tell.

Conclusion

A team can never roster too many useful pass rushers, and Braswell just adds to healthy stable that already includes Diaby, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson, and maybe pieces like Jose Ramirez and Markees Watts.

Braswell was definitely the most talented edge rusher remaining at the time, and his production at an elite Power 5 program despite those lack of starts is a good sign that the best is yet to come.

He should quickly seized that No. 3 pass rusher role from Nelson as the team desperately looks for better 4-man rush combinations to take the heat off a secondary that could still use some more depth and seasoning.

How would you grade this, Bucs Nation?