In his first camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, outside linebacker Chris Braswell looked promising. He registered his first sack in preseason against the Dolphins, but everything went south after.
Now Braswell enters his third NFL season after being drafted in the second round of the 2024 draft. The OLB has few options, but the Buccaneers are not giving up on him just yet. Nor should they. What Braswell has to do, however, is take advantage of what could be his final opportunity.
Tampa needs the young linebacker to step up; the defense depends upon it, and the OTA sessions are the perfect place to start.
Chris Braswell must take control of his future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers now
Statistically, there is nothing to see with Braswell. Despite playing in every game since being drafted, the OLB has yet to start a single game. He has 48 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
What's interesting is that he took 30% of the defensive snaps in his rookie season and then dropped to 27% last year. His numbers are not much better on special teams, where he has taken 40% and 46% in his first two years. Braswell wasn't drafted to play special teams.
Currently, Braswell is expected to be the third OLB on the depth chart. That makes the OTA sessions more important. There is no physical contact during OTAs, so the coaching staff will be watching for effort, technique, and knowledge of the scheme. That will open opportunities in training camp.
Tampa drafted Reuben Bain in the first round last April. Bain is the unquestioned starter with Anthony Nelson, a seven-year veteran, holding steady behind him. This is where Braswell needs to make a leap if he is going to keep his roster spot.
2026 will be a critical year for Braswell, who has the college tape to be great, but so far his production on the field has been less than average or ideal.
Will Chris Braswell make the final 53?
This is a great question to ask, but a harder one to answer. After two seasons, he can no longer hide behind his training camp and offseason work to show what he can do. Preseason will be his biggest test and could be the deciding factor.
Braswell has a lot of talent. The Buccaneers know this. If he can't make the Bucs' roster, they could look to trade him prior to final roster cuts. It would be one of those low-end trades that most don't talk about.
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