- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,130,247
- Reaction score
- 59
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a clear goal this offseason of improving their pass rush. After a season in which the Bucs finished 19th in the NFL with only 37 sacks, Tampa understood more was needed to return to the postseason in 2026.
Mission accomplished. The Bucs signed Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, who registered 11 sacks in 2025. Tampa didn't stop there, drafting star edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round of the 2026 Draft. Bain was arguably the best defensive player in the draft. The early reviews look like Tampa has a future star.
Of course, the additions the Bucs made must come at the cost of someone else's roster spot. Tampa's second-round pick in 2024, Chris Braswell, may be the odd man out.
In his two seasons with the Bucs, the former Alabama standout has only accumulated 48 total tacks and a paltry 2.5 sacks. Hardly the type of production Tampa expected when they drafted Braswell.
With Bain manning the starting spot opposite Bucs' 2025 sack-leader Yaya Diaby, and newcomer Muhammad set to be next on the depth chart, Braswell may find his competition too steep to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Don't forget about 2025 fourth-pick David Walker, either. The Bucs were very excited to add Walker last year after he recorded 39 sacks over his four collegiate seasons at Central Arkansas. Unfortunately, Walker's rookie season was over before it began. In the midst of an impressive preseason, Walker tore his ACL and was lost for the year. Tampa remains high on Walker heading into his sophomore season.
With Bain, Diaby, Muhammad, and a healthy Walker clearly above him on the depth chart, Braswell will have a tough time making the cut. He must make a big impression on Tampa's coaching staff in order to stick with the team who drafted him.
Braswell's main competition for a roster spot will probably be veteran Anthony Nelson. Nelson has proved himself as a quality and reliable depth piece for the Bucs' defense. Unless Braswell clearly outplays Nelson this preseason, expect the Bucs to roll with Nelson's experience over Braswell's draft pedigree.
While giving up on a second-round pick after only two seasons would be a difficult pill to swallow, the Bucs must keep their best 53 players heading into the season. Tampa is under heavy pressure to succeed this year after last season's collapse, and cannot afford to continue showing patience with Braswell.
Surely, the Bucs would love to sneak Braswell onto their practice squad if he doesn't survive the final cuts. Unfortunately, it is likely that another team will take a gamble of his potential if he ends up on waivers.
With the improvements Tampa has made on defense, it is now or never for Braswell to prove his worth to the Bucs.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
Mission accomplished. The Bucs signed Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, who registered 11 sacks in 2025. Tampa didn't stop there, drafting star edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round of the 2026 Draft. Bain was arguably the best defensive player in the draft. The early reviews look like Tampa has a future star.
Former Second-Round Pick On Chopping Block
Of course, the additions the Bucs made must come at the cost of someone else's roster spot. Tampa's second-round pick in 2024, Chris Braswell, may be the odd man out.
In his two seasons with the Bucs, the former Alabama standout has only accumulated 48 total tacks and a paltry 2.5 sacks. Hardly the type of production Tampa expected when they drafted Braswell.
With Bain manning the starting spot opposite Bucs' 2025 sack-leader Yaya Diaby, and newcomer Muhammad set to be next on the depth chart, Braswell may find his competition too steep to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Don't forget about 2025 fourth-pick David Walker, either. The Bucs were very excited to add Walker last year after he recorded 39 sacks over his four collegiate seasons at Central Arkansas. Unfortunately, Walker's rookie season was over before it began. In the midst of an impressive preseason, Walker tore his ACL and was lost for the year. Tampa remains high on Walker heading into his sophomore season.
Will Braswell Make The Cut
With Bain, Diaby, Muhammad, and a healthy Walker clearly above him on the depth chart, Braswell will have a tough time making the cut. He must make a big impression on Tampa's coaching staff in order to stick with the team who drafted him.
Braswell's main competition for a roster spot will probably be veteran Anthony Nelson. Nelson has proved himself as a quality and reliable depth piece for the Bucs' defense. Unless Braswell clearly outplays Nelson this preseason, expect the Bucs to roll with Nelson's experience over Braswell's draft pedigree.
Final Thoughts
While giving up on a second-round pick after only two seasons would be a difficult pill to swallow, the Bucs must keep their best 53 players heading into the season. Tampa is under heavy pressure to succeed this year after last season's collapse, and cannot afford to continue showing patience with Braswell.
Surely, the Bucs would love to sneak Braswell onto their practice squad if he doesn't survive the final cuts. Unfortunately, it is likely that another team will take a gamble of his potential if he ends up on waivers.
With the improvements Tampa has made on defense, it is now or never for Braswell to prove his worth to the Bucs.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
