Buccaneers HC Impressed With Chris Braswell’s Growth

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are counting on second-year edge rusher Chris Braswell to make a significant impact in 2025, particularly with the team’s pass rush needing a boost. After being drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft, Braswell saw limited action last season, recording 1.5 sacks in a rotational role. Now, with a full offseason of development under his belt, Braswell’s poised to take a leap forward.

After a tough outing against the Tennessee Titans, Chris Braswell bounced back with a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, impressing Bucs head coach Todd Bowles in the process. Despite struggling early, Braswell demonstrated growth and resilience, earning Bowles’ praise for his improved play.

Via the team’s website, 

“I was happy with the play of [Chris] Braswell Jr. from the outside last night. The quarterback, Skylar [Thompson], was a very good athlete. Sometimes we got out-athleted, and other times we could have done a better job with contain.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bolstered their edge rush group by signing Haason Reddick in free agency and drafting outside linebacker David Walker in the fourth round. However, Walker suffered a season-ending ACL tear, putting more pressure on second-year edge rusher Chris Braswell to contribute significantly. Fortunately, head coach Todd Bowles is pleased with Braswell’s progress, saying he’s coming along nicely ahead of the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Braswell’s growth will be crucial in giving the Buccaneers a potent pass-rushing attack, especially with Reddick looking to make an impact alongside veterans like Yaya Diaby and Vita Vea.

Via the team’s website, 

“He’s been taking the next step since he got back to [training] camp. His game doesn’t revolve around sacks – you have to be a good overall football player.” Bowles stated. “He’s playing faster and smarter, doing a lot of little things that go unnoticed. We have no problem putting him in the rotation. He’s also become a heck of a special teams player. He’s playing with more physicality because he’s playing faster and understanding what he’s doing, and that’s what we like about him.”

Braswell continued to show growth in his preseason performance, notching one sack against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2. With another opportunity to make plays against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3, Braswell is set to wrap off his preseason before the regular season kicks off. He’ll look to make a significant impact on the revamped Buccaneers defense, building on the progress he’s made so far. As second-year edge rusher, Braswell aims to take a leap forward, especially with the Buccaneers needing a strong pass rush in 2025.