Chris Braswell, a Crimson Tide edge rusher and linebacker, discusses his time at Alabama and the ‘Cheetah Package’ from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine podium.
Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner were the primary edge rushers for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2022-23. After Anderson was picked third overall by the Houston Texans and went on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Alabama needed another edge/linebacker hybrid.
Chris Braswell was the answer, finishing second on the team and seventh in the conference with eight sacks and 42 stops, including 10.5 for loss and an SEC-high three forced fumbles. He also blocked a kick and recorded a pick-six. Braswell was selected to the All-SEC Second Team.
Braswell received professional prominence with each dominant week, and he is currently invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. On Wednesday’s media conference, the 22-year-old discussed his spectacular rookie season as a primary starter.
“This year, I had the opportunity to become a full-time starter,” Braswell said in a statement. “I always knew I had the capability so I just needed the time to go out there and showcase my talents and I think it increased my draft stock for sure.”
Although he didn’t play as often as Turner and Anderson did in 2022, Braswell claimed the three of them were very close and helped each other grow.
“It was great,” Braswell remarked. “We picked all three of each other’s brains and compared notes on various tackles.” It was wonderful for all of us to be together.”
When the trio was on the pitch together, whether for practice or on Saturday, Braswell described their combination.
“When Will played with us, we called it the Cheetah Package,” Braswell told me. “I don’t want to say too much because I’m not sure if they’re still doing it, but it was an even front. Dallas and I were in the second and third techniques. We played a variety of games from that front, including two-way go, speed to power, and many others.”
Braswell will most likely be in a new plan. However, he added that he will fit and adapt to any of the 32 NFL teams’ lineups.
“I see myself as a defensive end, edge, but I could play anything,” Braswell stated in an interview. “Outside linebacker, put my hand in the dirt and stand up. It honestly does not matter. I’ll be more than capable of handling whatever the team requires of me. 3-4 or 4-3, I’ve played both sides.
As previously indicated, Braswell had to wait his turn as a starter. Many other Alabama athletes experienced this as Braswell rose through the SEC levels, and he identified a few teammates who could fill his shoes.
“I got a couple of names: Jihaad Campbell, Deonte Lawson, really all of the linebackers and young guys,” Braswell told the media. “Keanu Koht, Quandarrius Robinson, Qua Russaw—all of those guys. We’re talented at Bama, we’re deep, and most likely all of those guys will be here at some point.”
Braswell is one of ten Crimson Tide prospects attending this year’s NFL Combine. Braswell, the aforementioned Turner, and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe will do on-field exercises on Thursday, beginning at 2 p.m. CT on NFL Network.
