by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics.
At Draft 412, the NFL draft talk never ends. We will keep you ready for the next set of gridiron stars—from today and all the way until draft night 2024. We will bring you mock drafts, player profiles, individual team needs, and everything else you may need related to the 2024 NFL Draft.
Today’s Spotlight - Alabama, linebacker, Chris Braswell
Name- Chris Braswell
Pos- Linebacker
Team- Alabama
HT/WT- 6’3” 255 lbs.
Born- 10/25/2001
Home – Baltimore, MD
Braswell was a highly decorated pass-rushing threat from Maryland and was ranked a 5-star prospect and No. 2 overall player from home. He was a member of PrepStar’s top 150 Dream Team and listed as the No.12 overall player nationally. He chose Alabama over offers from Clemson, Georgia and LSU.
Showing that even a 5-star recruit is not guaranteed anything at Alabama, Braswell did not see the field at all in 2020, and he played in 14 games in 2021, mostly on special teams but he did finally see action at linebacker, racking up 13 tackles.
Last season, Chris Braswell finally became a part of the Alabama linebacker rotation, playing in 13 games and collecting 21 tackles and 2 sacks in his limited exposure.
Braswell is starting for the Crimson Tide in 2023, making the most of the first 4 games, tallying 16 tackles, 3.5 sacks and he forced a fumble. He was a big reason Alabama held on to beat Ole Miss 24-10 with big splash plays all day long.
Chris Braswell is in the top of his draft class when it comes to natural athleticism and his explosive first step creates balance issues for the offensive tackles trying to seal the edge. He has the perfect blend of speed and size and made Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List at #10, squatting 705 lbs. and power-cleaning 405 lbs. while vertical jumping 38.5 inches. He has excellent footwork and has fluid hips which allow him to be an asset in pass coverage. He can excel both blitzing or staring in a 3-point stance and has violent hands in shedding blockers.
On the downside, Braswell does not have many tools in his pass rushing toolbox and relies solely on speed, which will get harder at the next level. He is successful at getting to the ball carriers but tends to go for an explosive hit instead of wrapping up the runner securely. He can become overly aggressive at times and is easily baited by play action and counters. He will leave his coverage too soon in certain situations trying to make a big play on a scrambling quarterback.
When watching Braswell’s game film, it’s hard not to compare him to current Steeler Markus Golden. Though Golden may not be as fast, they both possess the same burst off the edge and can be moved around on defense to blitz from multiple spots.
Strengths
Speed
Athleticism/Freak strength
Violent hands
Pass coverage
Weaknesses
Tackling
Over aggressive
Pass rushing moves
Goes out of way for big play
Final Analysis
Chris Braswell is a 5-star prospect who has just recently started getting quality playing time, making it hard to decipher where he can land. As an athlete, he is top of the board, but he hasn’t shown enough on the field yet. Look for him to be a combine superstar and help his draft stock.
Draft 412 Draft Projection- Round 4