Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell is an energetic pass rusher who pairs power with explosiveness. Short-area quickness makes Braswell a difficult assignment for opposing offensive tackles in one-on-one blocking situations. The Crimson Tide standout projects a potential top-50 selection.
Braswell enjoyed a breakout campaign throughout 2023 after working as a rotational rusher behind the likes of Will Anderson Jr. early in his career. Braswell totaled a career-high 10.5 sacks this past season. He's well-positioned to make an instant impact at the next level.
Braswell tested impressively at the NFL Combine. The 251-pounder ran a 4.6 with a 1.58 10-yard split. Braswell also had a 33.5-inch vertical, a quality result given his stature. We've identified three ideal team fits for Braswell in the 2024 NFL Draft.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals recorded a 30th-ranked 33 sacks throughout the 2023 season. That's a sore spot for defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was the defensive coordinator for a 70-sack Philadelphia Eagles team in 2022. The Cardinals have drafted an abundance of pass rushers in recent drafts, but none of them have completely reached their performance ceiling.
B.J. Ojulari recorded 4.0 sacks as a rookie and has the highest ceiling of any defender on the roster, but better support is required around him. The likes of Zaven Collins and Cameron Thomas haven't developed into effective players. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort is equipped with seven selections in the opening 104 picks. Targeting a pass rusher like Braswell at No. 35 or No. 66 would be smart business for Ossenfort.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans addressed needs at cornerback and wide receiver by acquiring L'Jarius Sneed and Calvin Ridley. Those moves have altered general manager Ran Carthon's priorities heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. An offensive tackle like Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu is still needed at No. 7 overall, but the 38th pick may be reserved for a pass rusher to play with Jeffery Simmons.
An every-down defender departed in free agency when Denico Autry signed with Tennessee’s AFC South rival Houston Texans. Arden Key is more of a situational rusher opposite Harold Landry III, meaning another player is needed at the position. Braswell plays with a red-hot motor that would endear itself to new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
EDGE rusher is an underrated need for the Buccaneers. Head coach Todd Bowles oversaw a productive unit last season that accumulated a seventh-ranked 48.0 sacks, but it was a by-committee effort that benefited from Bowles' aggressive scheme. Rookie third-round rusher YaYa Diaby led the defense in sacks with 7.5 quarterback takedowns.
Other building blocks on the defensive line include Calijah Kancey and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. The veteran Shaq Barrett, who had 4.5 sacks last year, signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Another stand-up rusher to play alongside Tryon-Shoyinka and Diaby would complete the transformation of this group. If the Buccaneers don't draft a pass rusher like Jared Verse or Laiatu Latu at No. 26, Braswell should be an option at No. 57.
