Buccaneers Linebacker Predicted For Big Jump

Chris Braswell, who played outside linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season, did not have as big of an impact as he might have hoped. However, with some key departures this offseason, he could see an expanded role.

Braswell, who spent three years at the University of Alabama under head coach Nick Saban, came from a program that demanded excellence from its players. They were perennial contenders for the College Football Playoff and the national title.

Braswell earned second-team All-SEC honors in his last season with the team. He finished with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, and one forced fumble. He entered the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the second round by the Buccaneers.

His rookie season saw him tally 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Defensive run game coordinator and outside linebacker coach Larry Foote, spoke about Braswell, saying that he is "talented" and that he is expecting to see a lot of growth from year 1 to year 2. Foote, a long time veteran linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion, should know what it takes to be successful at the position, and seems to have a lot of faith in Braswell.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka started 11 games for the Buccaneers at strongside linebacker for the team last year, but departed in the offseason to join the Cleveland Browns. The Buccaneers did signed former Philadelphia Eagle Haason Redick in the offseason, but Braswell should continue to see opportunities to show the talent that his coach saw in him early on.