After a preseason franchise record seven sack performance by the Houston Texans. Which many critics cited the effort came to fruition against a non-NFL starting quarterback along with the Texans facing the second and third team units of the New York Jets.
This is true but it was also non-first teamers for Houston that played against the same units the Jets put on the field. One particular third team player was outside linebacker Bryan Braman.
Braman was signed by the Texans as an undrafted rookie free agent out of West Texas A&M. Braman was credited with 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Braman fought off a double team by both of the Jets right guard and right tackle to get the sack/forced fumble on the final drive of New York’s. The Jets were down by four and in need of a touchdown in order to earn the win against the Texans. Braman showed up big during crunch time.
Many figured Braman the 6’5″, 230 pound linebacker who clocked a 4.48 40 yard dash went undrafted due to a brush with law enforcement during his time at West Texas. But Braman is quickly making the most of his second chance with the Texans. Bryan Braman’s biggest reason for being here with the Texans is Wade Phillips’ defensive assistant Bobby King. As Braman puts it is, “Basically the main reason why I’m here is because he was a big part of standing up for me as far as character quality and stuff like that and what kind of athlete I am and my work ethic and stuff.” Bobby King was Braman’s defensive line coach his first year at West Texas A&M and King was the one that recruited Braman from Long Beach City College.
Bryan Braman was a buzzsaw against the third team unit of the New York Jets and sparingly against the Jets second team toward the end of the first half. We are quite anxious to see if reps increase for the undrafted rookie. At some point a chance to run with the second team defense full time could find Braman with or without cleats.
During one of Bryan Braman’s first practices with the Texans. Braman played the entire session without any cleats. Braman didn’t say anything because he didn’t want to anger the coaching staff or other players. Low key seems to be Braman’s M.O. since arriving in Houston.
We like how Lance Z of the Z Report sizes up the outside linebacker. “Braman is a tremendous athlete and has the type of burst and explosiveness you want from that outside rush position. He’s also got some edge to him. Go to any practice and you can hear him whooping it up coming off the field. He’s out there balling and having fun like a guy with a new lease on life. He’s still raw, but his physical gifts are undeniable.”
We are enamored by the intangibles and fire Bryan Braman brings to practice and brings at game time. We only hope that the immaturity is behind him and the character and work ethic remain in place as they currently seem to be. Texan fans alike are looking forward to seeing more of this young player and are excited to say, “the sky is the limit with this kid.”
If one had to cite a negative on Bryan Braman’s game. It would be that the young outside linebacker may need to get a bit stronger and learn to hand fight in order to keep an offensive lineman’s giant paws at bay. Bryan Braman still has a lot to adapt to on the pro football level. But the kid definitely showed raw talent and if Braman can be molded to be a pro by Bobby King and Wade Phillips then we’re confident Braman will be a fine addition to the Texans defensive side of the ball.
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