Braswell has appeared in all 34 regular-season games since being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, yet he has not established himself as a consistently game-changing presence off the edge. The Bucs’ need at that position has grown more obvious as pass-rushing production has remained scarce, even with Braswell’s continued snaps and development expected.
Analysts have pointed to broader issues in Tampa Bay’s front office and scouting, noting a five-year drought of a dominant edge defender. The organization has leaned into homegrown players with limited impact on defense, and the recent track record includes an injury-plagued 2025 addition and a third-rounder who has been only a secondary option at edge.
Looking ahead to the 2026 draft, Tampa Bay is widely regarded as likely to select a defensive player in the first round, with edge rusher and outside cover options both on the table. One prominent mock draft path points to Ahkeem Mesidor, a 6-3, 259-pound edge standout who topped the 12.5 sacks mark in 2025 and could address the team’s need for a true sack artist.
In summary, the Buccaneers appear poised to pursue defensive upgrades in the opening round while Braswell’s future with the team remains uncertain. The widely held view of Braswell as a bust candidate underscores the pressure on the organization to deliver a transformative pass-rush threat in the near term.
