Nick Saban: Chris Braswell Is A Great Pass Rusher
April 28th, 2024
Joe realizes most college head coaches love to gas up their players.
(See John Harbaugh saying JJ McCarthy should be the No. 1 overall pick in a legendary QB draft class but then not being interested in trading Justin Herbert and drafting McCarthy.)
That’s just one example.
But it’s still worth paying attention to the praise, especially when the head coach has left the program and has less incentive to be over-the-top biased.
Enter legendary Nick Saban, who just retired after his historic run leading Alabama.
He spoke during ABC’s live NFL Draft coverage, via AL.com, about Buccaneers’ second-round pick edge rusher Chris Braswell out of Alabama.
“(Braswell) is really, really a good player, a great pass-rusher, can turn speed into power and make some big-time plays,” Saban said. “He can long-arm a guy … playing a guy’s weak-side shoulder. He plays better standing up. He’s probably more skilled when he plays defensive end, but he can drop.”
Joe was intrigued. Hey, it’s better than Saban delivering a harsh critique of Braswell for one or two of his skills.
Nick Saban explaining and defining athletic instincts is maybe the most fascinating thing I’ve ever heard.
All sports fans, listen to this: pic.twitter.com/5ch3CyRz66
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 27, 2024
April 28th, 2024 at 6:19 pm
The greatest to ever do it
Roll tide
April 28th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
If he can finish at the end of his rushes, we should be okay.
Question is how quickly will he develop? And will this maybe, finally, motivate JTS to take the next step in his game too? What a nice win-win that would be if it happened.
April 28th, 2024 at 6:34 pm
Feel like he could be talking directly at Jamel Dean in that video at the bottom.
April 28th, 2024 at 6:35 pm
Licht post draft moves: Get power RB like AJ Dillon; Get veteran CB like Stephon Gilmore. Roster now ready to contend.
April 28th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
I agree with the Joe(s) on the discussion about sacks versus pressures, but last year, the Bucs D didn’t pressure QBs either. Let’s hope that Mr. Braswell lives up to Coach Saban’s expectations.
April 28th, 2024 at 6:54 pm
Sacks are best…….pressures are next best…..
I’ll take Saban’s word on Braswell over anyone’s.
April 28th, 2024 at 7:00 pm
I had Braswell as #4 in edge players. He was productive last year with 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, an INT for a TD, and a blocked kick for a TD. Pretty darned good production, especially in the SEC. Some scouts say he’s small at 255, but the scouts don’t talk about his strength like Saban mentioned. BTW, Shaq is listed at 250, and he did pretty well for us for a few years. In comparison, Dallas Turner had 10 sacks and 2 FF with no INT’s and no blocked kicks. Sounds like Braswell was a good pick at #57.
Let’s see if the Bucs can coach him up to start as a lefty edge. Maybe OLB coach George Edwards coach Braswell up, unlike what he failed to do with JTS.
April 28th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
JTS is out of a job. I think with the two other young Pass Rusher that were lighting up camp last year. Yaya and Braswell. With the three Big DTs in the middle. I think we all end up pleasantly surprised. Yaya is already proving he can get to the qb. Same with Kalijah. Use vita to double team. We have size, power and speed. In Licht I trust. Beefing up the O Line. Isn’t sexy like drafting Harrison Jr. but when baker has a clean jersey. And that run game we’ve been yearning for develops. We’ll all be sitting in our recliners on Sunday with a cheesy smile. We already know we have receivers. That was never an issue. Jason Licht for President 2024.
April 28th, 2024 at 7:09 pm
Break out season for Randy Gregory especially with the Bucs starting fast as Coen goes… we score and then put the pressure on from the defense
April 28th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
Braswell is the anti JTS.
That is good enough for me.
April 28th, 2024 at 8:26 pm
“Braswell” in,contrary to “Bruh as well”JTS, out.👏🏾
April 28th, 2024 at 9:03 pm
What does he think of Mac Jones now? LOL.
Although, the Patriots had no line and no WRs for that poor kid.
April 28th, 2024 at 9:08 pm
I like where we are and with what is ‘possible’ for this upcoming season. The Eagles have ‘reloaded’ with lucking-out on getting both of those STUD DB’s in the draft, then extending both STUD WR’s (so they’ll be happy wideouts), & signing Saquon Barkley. But, the Cowboys have had a terrible offseason and it’s going to be ALL on Dak’s shoulders now… I like my chances with that. Then, you have the NFC North… I think it’s going to be a bloodbath. Yes, I said “BLOODBATH” LoL… They’re going to beat each other up to a pulp. I hope so, anyway! Then, you have the West… Where, the Rams have lost Donald & they have an aging QB with a bum shoulder. Plus, their #1 WR (Coop Kupp) has missed ‘significant’ time now, in back to back seasons (3 out of his last 6). And, the ‘Niners are starting to run into some cap issues now, & have a disgruntled Aiyuk demanding a trade… Plus, there is a lot more ‘film’ now, on Purdy. Last but not least, you have ATL in THE ‘weakest’ Division in football, who just did more “ATL-things” LoL. It’s all going to be on Baker & Bowels. Everything is there, in order for them BOTH, to succeed. There is no excuse. They have to step-up.
April 28th, 2024 at 9:56 pm
Braswell doesnt look like he plays for the WNBA…..just saying
April 28th, 2024 at 10:09 pm
We should all look forward to Mayfield once again struggling
To throw for 100 yards in the 1st half of games.
He definitely has to play better. Coen better be on him to get those early leads as they’re critical.
Anyone that truly watched our games last year know how badly Mayfield struggle in the first half of many games. His total 4,000 yards looks good on paper until you realize a lot of that was when we were already way behind and defenses played softer coverage.
April 28th, 2024 at 10:17 pm
Is a little too early for Trash drama, sorry i meant Trask.
April 28th, 2024 at 10:20 pm
Braswell uses a cross chop very effectively but sometimes gets too close to the tackle for it to be effective. His long arm works very well too, followed by a swim move. He starts slow often and allows the Tackle to lunge then counters inside with speed to power. Has to be careful not to get his hands too high. Pad level can sometimes be a problem, but that can be coached up.
I think he is going to be very good.
April 29th, 2024 at 4:18 am
Does anyone else’s autocorrect keep changing Braswell to “Bra swell”?? If he’s anything like a Bra Swell I think we’re all gonna LOVE him!!
April 29th, 2024 at 8:06 am
I can speak as someone who watched every Bama game that I love Braswell’s game. He has a lot to love with his power and his ability to drop into coverage. Time will tell whether or not he or Kneeland will be a more impactful player at edge. Tampa got a good one!!
April 29th, 2024 at 11:04 am
Can we please get the clip of this JOE having his meltdown on the Ira Kaufman podcast a few years back? I cant wait to hear his thoughts on this pick though.
April 29th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
Why do people keep saying that the Bucs’ pass rush sucked last year. I swear I read somewhere that they finished the year as the 7th-best team in the NFL in sacks.
April 29th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
From the highlights it looks like Braswell likes to hit hard. I do not think I have seen JTS level anyone in his three seasons.
Tykee Smith takes ball carriers down pretty efficiently, too. Third round with players like Payton Wilson still there. They must like him a lot.
April 29th, 2024 at 3:58 pm
Scotty Mack actually we ended up in 18th place for sacks in regular season and were bottom 10 in the NFL in pressure %.
If you count the playoffs, I think we were 10th in the league but that’s because of numbers of games played
April 29th, 2024 at 6:46 pm
Nice dig at JTS MadMax touche!
April 29th, 2024 at 8:03 pm
Having both Saban and Belichick giving draft analysis was GREAT! I mean, I even went back and you tubed many of Bill’s assessments… legends!