Chris Braswell: Talented but Raw

Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell flashes ability, but he is raw.

He is really raw.

In five games of 2022 game film, he showed next to no pass-rush moves and despite his efforts, he was limited as a run defender.

Braswell played in the defensive rotation for Alabama and his eight solo tackles and three sacks accurately paint a picture of a limited impact in 2022.

As you can see by this picture he is a lean 255 pounds. That didn’t tend to work out going up against much larger offensive tackles and guards most of the time due to the lack of technique. This was especially true against the run.

Potential

Braswell shows a quick first step pass rushing at times and more than that, he shows brute strength and power.

His most effective pass-rushing attacks were either bullrushing or shooting a gap to get pressure. He can get serious movement at the point of attack when he is bullrushing. Despite his size, he packs a punch when he has his mind set to do so. At times, he could put offensive tackles on skates and push them into the quarterback.

To his credit, Braswell chalked up 21 hurries in 2021 (pff.com). That lines up with what was on game film. He was more of a pressure producer than a sack artist.

Short-area burst

Braswell did show a quick and sudden short-area burst and acceleration into the pocket.

This is what it’s all about.

Despite having some rigidity that makes quick and sudden changes of direction a challenge in the pocket, he has the athleticism to shoot gaps and shoot right into the pocket.

That’s an elite trait.

Wavering intensity

This was an issue.

Braswell didn’t seem to play every play with the same effort and intensity level.

He was too easy to block at times on pass and running plays.

Questionable instincts

There were plays when he would go in the wrong direction rather than the play flow.

He could also get fooled and pursue the wrong offensive player thinking they had the ball when someone else did.

He also could become a split-second hesitant at times.

Projection to the NFL

Braswell had more neutral and negative comments in my notes than positive whether he was rushing the passer or attempting to defend the run.

Based on his 2022 game film, he projects as a developmental pass-rush specialist. I don’t see him as a three-down edge. He might project best to a weakside linebacker at the next level. The job of the weakside linebacker is to cover the opposing tight end.

This Alabama defender can run.

He also looked above average dropping into zone coverage and even into man coverage on limited reps as well.

Braswell will get selected based on his raw traits.

#41 Chris Braswell 6-foot-3, 255 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Fall 2023 Grade: Third-Round (I wouldn’t select him)

Projected by 5.5% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 25, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2022): LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, Utah State, and Kansas State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 21 tackles (8 solo), 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Lean and physically strong pass rusher who specializes in producing pressure in limited 2022 reps. A tad undersized when lined up against the big boys. Flashes quickness and explosive athleticism. Appeared inexperienced and even lost at times on film. Lined up on both sides. Better against the offensive right tackle. Flashed spin move once. Bland and unimaginative pass rusher. Didn’t get going running stunts. Flashes quick first step. Usually cut off at the back door of the pocket. Can be disruptive shooting a gap. He made an effort to fight through against the run, which got him in position to make a stop, contribute, or at least end up in position by the pile. Below average at disengaging once he was locked up with much larger offensive linemen.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Any pass rush moves shown?

2. Number of sacks and pressures?

3. Strong effort level consistently?

4. How does he look against the run?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.