ESPN says Bucs need to admit colossal mistake from 2024 NFL Draft, and it's almost impossible to argue with

The Bucs made out well in the 2024 NFL Draft. With additions of C Graham Barton, S Tykee Smith, and WR Jalen McMillan in the first three rounds and budding star Bucky Irving in Round 4, Jason Licht added some significant young talent to his roster that's paying off through their first two seasons.

Unfortunately, not every pick was a hit, and the Bucs swung and missed in a big way in the second round, as things have turned out. Alabama DE Chris Braswell was the Bucs' pick at No. 57 overall. Through two seasons, it's safe to say that was a bad pick.

Braswell has appeared in a reserve role in all 34 games over the last two years, but he turned that into just 2.5 sacks and 17 pressures.

As such, ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz listed Braswell as the player the Bucs should part ways with and allow to get a fresh start somewhere else. Schatz came up with one player for all 32 teams, and Braswell got the nod.

ESPN says Chris Braswell is the Bucs player most in need of a change of scenery in 2026

This is what Schatz had to say about Braswell:

"The Bucs selected Braswell with the No. 57 pick in 2024, and the linebacker out of Alabama was supposed to be a talented pass rusher with good burst and a variety of pass-rushing moves. However, Braswell hasn't had much time on the field to show off those moves. He has never started a game in the NFL and has just 2.5 career sacks.

"Last season, he played less than 25% of defensive snaps in 11 contests and more than 50% of defensive snaps in just one game. The likely departure of Haason Reddick in free agency might open up a starting spot for Braswell, but it is more likely that Braswell needs to go to a new team with a new coaching staff in order to get his chance to finally reach his NFL potential."

Braswell has had every opportunity to step up and make an impact in Todd Bowles' defense, especially in 2025. Free agent signee Haason Reddick missed four games with knee and ankle injuries, opening up an increased opportunity Braswell.

Unfortunately, Braswell did not show he had turned that corner in his sophomore campaign, and through two seasons, it's more than fair to question whether that day will ever come. The Bucs desperately need to find answers off the edge this offseason in a crucial season for Bowles. But it's becoming clearer that Braswell likely isn't going to be a significant part of that solution.

Sometimes a change of scenery can make a big difference for a player, with NFL history replete with examples. It's perhaps time to see if a new football home would make a difference for Braswell.