The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just talk about needing more from their pass rush this offseason; they acted on it. And in doing so, they may have put former Day 2 pick Chris Braswell firmly on the roster bubble as he enters his third season.
After an inconsistent 2025 campaign rushing the passer, Tampa Bay made it clear that the production off the edge simply wasn’t good enough. Even with Haason Reddick missing multiple games, the opportunity was there for someone to step up and claim a larger role. Braswell, however, never capitalized. Rather than establishing himself as the clear “next man up,” he remained a rotational piece, failing to flash in a majority of games. That lack of progression has now been met with real competition.
The Buccaneers signed veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, bringing in a player who can provide steady, reliable snaps and benefited from playing with Aidan Hutchinson, but still produced 10 sacks. Then, they doubled down in the draft by selecting Rueben Bain Jr., a true blue-chip edge defender whose physicality, burst, and relentless motor fit exactly what this defense has been missing.
When you stack the room now, the picture becomes clear and concerning for Braswell. Yaya Diaby continues to trend upward as a foundational piece. Muhammad adds veteran stability. Bain brings fresh upside and energy. Anthony Nelson is back as a key rotational piece. That likely leaves Braswell battling from the outside looking in, potentially slotted as low as OLB5 on the depth chart.
Braswell still has the physical tools that made him an early pick.
His ability to convert speed to power and hold the edge against the run are real traits. But at this stage, traits alone won’t be enough. The Bucs have made it clear they’re prioritizing production and consistency. Training camp and preseason will be critical. Braswell will need to show growth as a pass rusher, prove he can be trusted in run defense, and carve out a role on special teams to boost his value. Because now he’s competing to stay on the roster.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What is next for Bucs’ Chris Braswell after the 2026 NFL Draft?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
