On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported that the Buccaneers will sign another of their 2024 NFL Draft picks, announcing that outside linebacker second-round pick Chris Braswell has signed his rookie contract.
Full terms of the deal were not immediately released in the team’s announcement, but Josh Chiepo of Pewter Report obtained information on some of his guaranteed money.
Chris Braswell will have $232,247 of his third year salary guaranteed, per source.#Gobax
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) June 12, 2024
Chris Braswell had a successful college career at the University of Alabama.
University of Alabama OLB Chris Braswell – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Chris Braswell’s profile coming into the NFL is that he’s a big-time hitter, a hard tackler and an all-around player. Physical forces, and His college film Assert those claims.
Despite only starting twice for Alabama in 2023, Braswell had a big year for the Crimson Tide, recording eight sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two passes defensed and an interception. He’s a quality athlete with the ability to bend the edge, use his hands well to get past offensive tackles and create havoc.
Per PFF, Braswell had a pass rush grade of 87.9, a pass rush win percentage of 18.2%, 10 quarterback hits and 33 hurries. He could have a bigger role as a rookie as he looks to utilize his skills in coach Todd Bowles’ defense.
Buccaneers OLB Chris Braswell may be poised for a breakout rookie year.
Buccaneers OLB Chris Braswell – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
So far during the Buccaneers’ mandatory minicamp, Chris Braswell has made a big first impression, recording two sacks during Tuesday’s session.
That could catch the eye of Todd Bowles and help Braswell establish himself as the team’s No. 2 pass rusher.
“You’ll see when he puts the shoulder pads on, but he’s very tough, very consistent, very strong in the lower body,” Bowles said Tuesday. “He’s a bit like Yaya.” [Diaby] “I’m better than last year in terms of natural strength. We’ll see how it goes when I put the pads on, but I’m happy with where I am at right now.”
Tampa Bay liked him enough to make him a second-round pick and will be hoping he starts to make the most of that investment once he officially signs with the Buccaneers. With the addition of Chris Braswell, the only unsigned draft pick left is first-rounder Graham Barton.
