Throughout the 2023 season, the Detroit Lions have struggled to develop a consistent pass rush. Only one Lions player has accumulated 30 pressures this season, and that is second-year pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Because of this inefficiency, drafting a young player in the 2024 NFL Draft makes sense. Edge rusher could be one of the team’s most pressing requirements in the future.
Because the Lions are anticipated to make the playoffs, they will not be looking for a top player at the position unless they move up. As a result, when April rolls around, the team will be compelled to look into the second tier of pass rushers. Chris Braswell of Alabama is a guy who fits the mold of a projected late first-round pick with a lot of skill. Although teammate edge rusher Dallas Turner anchors the Crimson Tide’s defense, Braswell has been productive in his own right during the 2023 season. Braswell has eight sacks this season heading into Saturday’s SEC championship game. He also has 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception to his credit. He’s established himself as a true defensive playmaker.
The Lions require someone with this level of skill to work opposite Hutchinson, who attracts the attention of several offensive lineman every time he steps onto the field. Hutchinson can still apply pressure, but having a presence on the opposing side forces opponents to redirect part of their attention. Braswell also plays a position in Alabama’s defense that is similar to that of Detroit’s SAM linebacker. In this regard, partnering with Hutchinson would be mutually beneficial, as opponents doubling Hutchinson would make life simpler for a player like Braswell, who has shown consistency in getting to passers while with the Crimson Tide.
Braswell’s speed is one of his greatest assets. He has a lightning-quick first step and the athleticism to bend around the edge. He also possesses the stature to play the position at the next level, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 255 pounds. However, as he transfers to the professional ranks, the Crimson Tide defender will need to continue to enhance his pass rush repertoire. Nonetheless, his athletic abilities suggest that a defensive coordinator may be able to turn him into an exceptional player.
His Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of 87.2 is excellent, and he leads the club in pressures with 49. That total is just one below the team-high of fellow predicted first-round pick Dallas Turner.
There’s also the possibility that Braswell will play in Nick Saban’s pro-style defense. The Lions landed a steal in second-round pick Brian Branch, a Saban product who became a day-one starter. If the Lions believe Braswell is a good match, his skill set fits well within the man-coverage strategy that relies on rushers to win one-on-one scenarios. His rushing ability could have a significant impact on Detroit’s pass rush production. All rights reserved by ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC.
