The Houston Texans have signed Chris Braswell, a former second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to their practice squad. This move comes as the team looks to bolster its defensive depth, particularly at the edge position, where injuries have begun to take a toll before the season opener.
Braswell was selected 57th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft after a notable college career at the University of Alabama. During his time with Tampa Bay, he appeared in 34 games, recording 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks, but did not secure a starting position.
His draft pedigree indicates that he possesses traits that NFL scouts valued, although his production did not meet expectations during his tenure with the Buccaneers.
In his final season at Alabama, Braswell showcased his potential by achieving eight sacks and ten tackles for loss, ranking second on the team in sacks. The Texans are not expecting him to be an every-down starter; rather, they aim to simplify his role to focus on rushing the quarterback and setting the edge.
Braswell's familiarity with fellow former Alabama teammate Will Anderson Jr. and former Buccaneers player Logan Hall may ease his transition into the Texans' defensive system. This connection could help him adapt to new terminology and responsibilities, which is crucial as he joins a team with a strong defensive culture centered on pass rushing.
