STRENGTHS
At 300 lbs, Braden explodes off the line of scrimmage like a volcanic eruption. He can get into the backfield and disrupt the rhythm of a play, and pressure a quarterback quicker than an angry hippo. Braden is stout against the run and what he lacks in techniques, he makes up for with unwavering effort on every play. Braden has good foot speed for his size, and can be used on stunts. He has solid lateral agility to defend from hash mark to hash mark. He has the size and athletic talent to play more than one position on the defensive line and in different styles of lines. Braden works well with his linemates and understands what is expected of him on each play. His ability to stop the run and to rush the passer, along with his effort on every play should make him be considered as one of the top Defensive linemen in this draft.
CONCERNS
Braden struggles to handle double teams. He also loses balance at times when rushing the passer when he explodes off the line in that angry hippo-like fashion. Braden also must improve in getting off his blocks when pass-rushing and develop some second moves. Nevertheless, these are all concerns that I’m sure Braden will address because of his excellent work ethic.
BOTTOM LINE: 1.86
Braden has been invited to the Senior Bowl and it’s my guess his workouts will be similar to Aaron Donald’s when he came out. The difference is, Aaron was much more of a finished player and Braden still needs development. That being said, Braden has too much athletic talent to pass up for too long along. His effort on every play and the fact he should be able to play more than one defensive line position, has me thinking that teams might want to select him early in this draft. After all, he stops the run, and rushes the passer with effort on every play… what more can you ask from a 6’5” 300lb football player? My guess is that Braden might not have the statistics as Aaron Donald has had in his career but I am convinced, he will be an impact player and the type of player who is a 4th quarter player and a big game player. Just give him a little time in an NFL strength and conditioning program and a good position coach. Check Rob’s value board to see the most likely round Braden should be selected in, it should be interesting.
