Chris Braswell explains why he did not transfer out of Alabama despite lack of playing time

Former Alabama Crimson Tide edge rusher Chris Braswell could have transferred out of Alabama and played more elsewhere. He didn’t, though, and it became one of the things that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers liked about him.

Braswell met with media members during Tampa Bay’s Rookie Minicamp. There, he explained his decision not to transfer out of the program despite his lack of playing time at times.

“I always knew I could play at Alabama and I’m a loyal person,” Chris Braswell said. “You know, I just wanted to stick with the program. The program has done a lot for me and I knew at the end of the day I just needed an opportunity to showcase my talent and I could play.”

Chris Braswell spent four years with the Alabama Crimson Tide, three of which he saw in-game action. However, it took some time for him to consistently see the field, with him primarily playing on special teams and as a pass rush specialist during the early stages of his college career. Plenty of players in the modern era would have chosen to transfer for more playing time elsewhere, however, he chose to stay and earn his playing time in 2023.

Staying worked for Braswell, though, and he earned All-SEC recognition from the AP in 2023. That was on the back of a season where he had 42 total tackles, of which 10.5 were tackles for a loss and 8.0 were sacks. He also forced three fumbles and had an interception. All of that helped to contribute to what impressed the Buccaneers, leading to them taking him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Chris Braswell

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein wrote an evaluation of Chris Braswell.

“Edge defender with good size and length but limited playing time over his four years at Alabama. Braswell chose to stick it out at Alabama rather than transferring and was rewarded with a productive final campaign. He doesn’t play with great technique or anchor as an edge-setter and is average in taking on in-line tight ends at the point of attack,” Zierlein said.

“As a pass rusher, he gets off the ball with good burst and uses a variety of moves, speeds and angles to create opportunities but needs to add counters to his approach. Braswell might have a ceiling as a good 3-4 backup or average designated pass rusher with core special teams value.”