NFL Draft: Overshadowed At Alabama, The 'Other' Crimson Tide Pass Rusher Should Also Be An Early Round Selection

Overshadowed by his own teammate at the same position, this Crimson Tide pass rusher could still prove to be a disruptive addition in the NFL Draft.

The New Orleans Saints came into the 2024 offseason with a glaring need at edge rusher. This position as a whole recorded only 16 sacks last season, along with a disappointing 41 QB hits and 25 tackles for loss. End Carl Granderson accounted for 8.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, and 14 stops for loss by himself, with DE Tanoh Kpassagnon having three of his 3.5 sacks in one game.

Veteran DE Cameron Jordan, with two sacks and three tackles for loss, is coming off the lowest production since his rookie year. Jordan dealt with nagging injuries most of the year but will also turn 35 and playing in his 13th season. Former first-round choice Payton Turner has appeared in just 15 of a possible 51 games because of injuries. Isaiah Foskey, a second-round pick last year, did almost nothing as a rookie.

The Saints signed Chase Young, a former second overall pick in 2020, in free agency. Young himself has underperformed his draft status, but his addition may mean that New Orleans addresses another need with their first round choice in this draft. However, don't be surprised if the team still uses a selection on another pass rusher at some point in the draft.

Today, we take a closer look at one of those possibilities. He is a player overshadowed by his own teammate at the same position for a storied college football power.

Chris Braswell, EDGE - Alabama; 6'3" & 251-Lbs.

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Chris Braswell (41) registers a sack against the University of Chattanooga

Credit:© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

A five-star recruit at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, Chris Braswell chose Alabama over other powers like Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, and LSU. After redshirting in 2020, he'd be a reserve or situational pass rusher for the Crimson Tide in 2021 and 2022. Over those two seasons, he had a combined 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss with eight QB pressures.

With finally a chance for more playing time in 2023, Braswell flashed why he was such a coveted recruit. He'd have eight sacks with 22 pressures, 10.5 tackles for loss, and caused four turnovers (3 fumbles, 1 interception). His production was on the same level as Alabama teammate Dallas Turner, who is expected to be an early first round choice.

An athlete with good straight-line speed and ideal length, Braswell also added bulk prior to last season. He has several tools coveted in a top-end pass rusher, but also shows solid upside as a run defender.

Braswell has an explosive first step and outstanding acceleration to the quarterback. He's flashed the ability to combine speed and power as a pass rusher with mixing up his initial attack. His wingspan and ability to maintain power with arms fully extended allows him to set up blockers.

Against the run, Braswell has shown nice leverage to stalemate the edge. He's able to disengage from blockers fairly effectively and pursues the ball well to make plays from the back side. Not often asked to drop into coverage, Braswell has shown a decent awareness in zone duties.

Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Chris Braswell (41) forces a fumble on a sack of Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton (7)

Credit:© Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite three years at Alabama, Braswell is surprisingly raw because of limited defensive snaps and responsibilities. Early in his NFL career, he may even be a liability in any coverage role. His inexperience really shows when diagnosing the run, an area he must show great improvement.

Braswell can be overpowered and knocked around by larger blockers, especially against the run. As a pass rusher, he's too reliant on his power and natural speed. He'll especially need to expand his counter moves when his initial pass rush is stalled.

Chris Braswell should provide some immediate impact as a pass rusher, even if just in a situational role. Because of that, he should be drafted by a team during Day 2 and possibly as early as the second round.

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell (LB04) works out during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

His best fit is as a 3-4 rush end/linebacker. However, he shows some potential as a rotational defensive end if he can add more bulk without sacrificing speed.

Braswell doesn't fit the prototype that the Saints prefer in their defensive ends. However, he could also add a much-needed athletic upgrade and disruptive presence along the edge of the New Orleans defense, especially if he somehow slides into the middle rounds.