Chris Braswell Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Crimson Tide Photos/UA Athletics)

School: Alabama

Class: Senior

Position: LB

HT: 6’3

WT: 255 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #35

Background: Chris Braswell was an edge rusher out of Maryland. He earned a 4-star rating and was a top 50 recruit in the class of 2020. Braswell also played for the prestigious St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. He was a part of the 2020 150 Dream Team. After his senior season, he was selected to participate in the Under Armour All-American Game. He did not get to showcase his abilities on that big stage due to the pandemic. Braswell committed to Alabama over Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State.

College: He did not see the field at all as a freshman in 2020, using a redshirt. In his second season, he was mainly utilized on special teams while getting a select amount of looks on the edge. 2022 was the real breakout season for Braswell. He had 2.5 sacks and 4 tackles for loss. He may not have put up eye-popping numbers, but he showed that he can be a key part of an effective pass rush. Braswell was a 2nd Team All-SEC selection after another dominant season for the Tide. He finished the season with 31 QB hurries and an eye-popping 13 sacks. Braswell was once again selected to the All-SEC 2nd Team in 2023. He finished the season with 3 forced fumbles and 8 sacks.

Strengths: Braswell is a power rusher who wins consistently with an overwhelming bull rush. When Braswell gets into his bull rush, his legs never stop moving as he will always knock offensive tackles off their foundation. WHile he is powerful, he also has a few moves that require quickness and flexibility to set the edge and win the rep. Braswell can win with either his hand in the dirt or up on his feet. He is one of the most impressive pure pass rushers in the draft as he has always produced. Braswell has excellent burst and change of direction skills. As a run defender, he shows good ball instincts and is able to get into the backfield quickly. He can either penetrate the line from the inside or quickly beat the tackle on the outside. Braswell also shows above average instincts in coverage. He has shown that he can get his hand up over the line to deflect passes. However, he is just as able to clog up the shallow crossers and the flats with awareness.

Weaknesses: Braswell’s concerns start in his lower half. He has slow feet and subpar footwork. Additionally, Braswell is slow to get off the line and out of his stance, making him slightly less effective with his hand in the dirt. Braswell takes bad routes to the ball sometimes which can cause him to grasp at straws and take himself out of the play.

Conclusion: Chris Braswell has rapidly elevated his play, and thus his stock, since his start at Alabama. He knows how to win in a variety of ways and is extremely versatile on the line. His production throughout his Alabama career has never waivered and all of his traits translate to the next level.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: LB/EDGE

Best Team Fits: DEN, NO, MIN

Player Comparison: Will Anderson Jr

Player Grade: 85.6