The Houston Texans have officially signed Chris Braswell, a former second-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to their practice squad. This move comes as the team seeks to bolster its defensive depth ahead of the season opener, particularly after injuries have impacted their edge-rushing group.
Braswell was selected 57th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft following his college career at the University of Alabama. He played in 34 games over two seasons with Tampa Bay, recording 48 tackles and 2.5 sacks, but did not secure a starting position. His release from the Buccaneers on August 30 led to his addition by the Texans shortly thereafter.
While his statistics in the NFL have not matched the expectations of a second-round draft pick, Braswell's collegiate performance was more impressive. In his final season at Alabama, he achieved eight sacks and ten tackles for loss, showcasing his potential as a pass rusher.
The Texans are not expecting Braswell to step in as a full-time starter. Instead, they aim to utilize him in a simplified role where he can focus on getting off the line and pressuring the quarterback, while established players like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter handle more complex assignments.
Braswell's familiarity with Anderson, a former teammate at Alabama, may aid his transition into the Texans' defensive system. Additionally, he will be joining former Buccaneers defensive lineman Logan Hall, which could help him acclimate to the team's culture and terminology.
