Chris Braswell discusses ability to replace Will Anderson’s production

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham05/06/23

AndrewEdGraham

While no one player on the Alabama defense is likely to replace the production of EDGE Will Anderson, it’s a group dripping with talent and ability. And it’s a group that can do just as much to harass opposing quarterbacks.

Between returning players and incoming freshman, there’s a lot to like about what Alabama will feature coming off the edge. Braswell added that Anderson did plenty of mentoring along the way, helping along the guys who would, inevitably, be called upon to replace him.

“I feel like everyone is ready to step up, as well as me. With Will being gone, he had a great impact for the school and for the team. He was a very good leader. And you know, it’s time for me and other guys to step up and fill that role,” Braswell said.

He had nothing but praise for the eventual No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Will is a great guy, he works hard,” Braswell said. “He’d tell me and a lot of the others guys, ‘Keep working, keep your head down and do the best that you can.'”

Now it’s time for Braswell to bring his best on the field each week come fall. He and fellow returning edge rusher Dallas Turner will likely be the primary options for the Crimson Tide coming off the edge.

Braswell, heading into his fourth season at Alabama, has less career production than Turner. Braswell has 2.5 sacks to Turner’s 12.5. And Turner is a year younger. Even still, they both pale in comparison to the 34.5 sacks Anderson tallied in three seasons at Alabama. That’s the type of production they need to replace.

“I feel like I can improve on a lot of things in my game. Pass rushing, playing the run, drop into coverage. You know, you can never be [too] great at anything — you can always get better. There’s always room for improvement,” Braswell said.

And with the addition of three Top 30 prospects — according to the On3 Industry Ranking —  who can rush the passer in Keon Keeley (No. 2 prospect nationally), Yhonzae Pierre (No. 26) and Qua Russaw (No. 27), Alabama is improving the talent coming off the edge significantly.

Replacing Anderson isn’t something Alabama can do, especially the leadership and intangibles that Braswell spoke of. But what the Crimson Tide is perfectly capable of in 2023 is finding plenty of new ways to put the opposing quarterback on the ground.