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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS QUOTE SHEET 4-26-24

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER CHRIS BRASWELL

(On how much he communicated with the Buccaneers before the draft)

"Obviously, it's a blessing to be here. You know, we had a lot of communication. I love the program, I love the way how the defense is [run] and everything, so I'm excited to get started."

(On if he had any expectations on when he would be selected in the draft after seeing where other edge rushers were taken)

"No, I didn't. I didn't have [an] idea, you know, I was just excited to enjoy the process no matter where I landed. You know, it's always a blessing to be here, and you just have to keep working hard, and just let everything fall where [it falls]."

(On being patient and his ability to make plays when he gets the chance)

"Yes, you know, for me, I always remain patient, working hard, and keeping my head down. It's one of the philosophies that I live by, so, you know, fighting through some adversity doesn't really affect me. I'm a really hard worker, so I just like to keep my head down, keep working hard, and just take advantage of any opportunity that's given to me."

(On if he takes pride in his pass rushing game)
"Yes, sir. I love to take pride in my pass rushing game. I love to get after the quarterback, but overall, I'm a very balanced player. [I] can play the run, can rush the passer, can drop into coverage, can do a lot things, so I hope to bring that to the Bucs."

(On when he reached 21.8 mph in a game against Texas A&M)

"So yeah, it was during the Texas A&M game. I blocked the field goal for a touchdown – 70 yards – and I clocked 21.8 [mph]."

(On his mindset when it comes to special teams)

"I'm a team player, so whatever the team needs – any special teams – I'll be willing to put myself out there. You know, just do anything for the team. I always want to put the team first, so, you know, I'll be happy to play any special teams."

(On the point system between him and former Alabama teammate Dallas Turner)

"At Bama, we had a production point system, and me and him would always go back and forth, [about] who would have the most production points at the end of the season. When we got to the end of the season, it actually ended up being a tie. Me and him [were] actually top three, so it all worked out at the end of the day. But, you know, that was just all little competition that we had in the room to keep each other on our toes."

(On playing in Raymond James Stadium last fall against USF)

"It was great. I liked the boat, the pirate ship back there. That's kind of amazing. I've never seen that in any other stadium, and, you know, it's an overall great city, great town, great state, and great weather, as well."

(On how he fits in with the Buccaneers culture)

"I bring discipline and accountability. You know, I want to hold my teammates accountable, and I want them to hold me accountable, as well. Just overall, [I] want to lead by example and also take knowledge from veteran guys who are there, veteran edge rushers, and you know just everybody to pick their brain, [and] see how they break down tackles, you know, just go about the game as an NFL player."

(On his pre-draft communication with the Buccaneers)

"Yes, I did a 30-visit with them, and that went really well. I felt comfortable, I felt at home, and it went really well."

(On his pass rush technique)

"Yes, you know, whenever I go up against a tackle, I like to do speed to power. I like to set the tempo of the game, see if they'll lower the football, you know, kind of get a feel for them. Can they hold power? Do they lean or anything like that? And then I like to throw the long arm in there as well, and then often I like to work my cross chop."

(On where he is in terms of being developed as a pass rusher)

"I feel like I'm a developed pass rusher. Obviously, there are things I can get better in. You know, you're not perfect, so when I get to the league… you know, when I get there with the Bucs, I want to sit there and pick some guys' brains, and just keep developing. You know, you can never be satisfied with anything in your game."

(On the weight he finds most comfortable for playing)

"Between 255lbs-260lbs."

(On how much he enjoys not coming at a traditional linear angle as a pass rusher)

"It's always fun to run twist games, pop games [or] jam games, [that is] what we call them at 'Bama.' We ran a lot of those at 'Bama,' so I'm used to them. It's always fun to run those games, and it's like a switch up when we go straight rush, straight rush, and then you come inside for a game, it's a different rush."

(On playing a lot of snaps in coverage in college)

"Yes, you know, I drop coverage – strong little man-to-man here and there, so I feel comfortable playing in there."

(On the moment he was drafted)

"It was great. I was back home in Baltimore at my father's business. He has a business hall. It's great to have my family and all my Muslim brothers here."

(On one thing he would like to tell fans)

"I would tell them I'm a hard worker, and I'm excited. I'm lost for words, but hey man I'm just excited to be there. It's a blessing and can't wait to get to work."

(On earning his opportunities at Alabama and how those opportunities prepared him for the next level)

"Throughout my life, I've dealt with a lot of adversity. [While] dealing with those adversities, I just remained steady and just [kept] working hard. You know, you can't control everything, so you only can control what you can control. My philosophy is to just control what I can control and just keep working hard, and let the tables fall where they may."

(On if he has a relationship with any current players)

"Not yet. Not yet."

DEFENSIVE BACK TYKEE SMITH

(On his familiarity with HC Todd Bowles and the kind of fit he will be in his scheme)

"Like you said, [my] Top-30 visit went well. We kind of discussed how I would be used and how he sees me fitting into the defensive scheme. He was down in Athens a couple times last season to watch his son play, which I play with his son, so he got an opportunity to watch me play. I think Troy [Bowles] is going to be a really good player when his number gets called, and once he gets the opportunity, I think he's going to be a really good player."

(On what type of role he will play)

"When we talked, he said he could see me playing safety or nickel. If I play safety then, obviously, I get an opportunity to learn from Antoine Winfield [Jr.], which would be a blessing [considering] the impact he has on the game. [I] definitely can't wait to get around him and see the type of player he is and learn under him."

(On his play-making skillset)

"Like you said, turnovers get you paid, so being able to change the momentum of the game is what I pride myself on. And being able to make impactful plays is what I pride myself on also – just can't wait to showcase that down there."

(On how excited he is to play with S Antoine Winfield Jr.)

"Real excited. [He's] one of the best safeties in the league, so me getting the opportunity to learn from him and practice with him every day will be a blessing."

(On balancing being a playmaker and being a tough, hardnosed player)

"[You] balance the two out by knowing when to make the right hit, keep my head out. [I'm] not trying to get any targeting [calls] or hurt myself. The biggest thing is I play with a chip on my shoulder, so coming out and being a tone setter."

(On getting the phone call and if he knew it was coming)

"I didn't have an idea that it was coming, but it was definitely a life changing experience for me and my family, and me getting an opportunity to enjoy that moment with my daughter."

(On his reaction to receiving the phone call)

"So, once I saw the Tampa number, I was like 'Oh, I must be going to Tampa Bay.' My family went crazy. My little cousin is a big Buccaneers fan, so I showed him that I was down there on a [Top]-30 visit two weeks ago. I have messages from him saying, 'Oh, you're going there.' Throughout the whole night he kept saying it, and it eventually came true."

(On his transition from West Virginia to Georgia)

"Big adjustment. First, getting adjusted to the heat and the style of practice that Coach [Kirby] Smart ran. It was definitely the best decision of my life to go there and attend [school] there. Unfortunately, I got hurt my first year there and had to work my way back. This year Coach Smart and the staff trusted me to be the guy and allow me to go out there and make plays and put me in the best situations to my skillset to make plays on Saturday, so I'm definitely grateful for the opportunity to go there. And I wouldn't change it for [anything]."

(On experiencing this with his daughter)

"My daughter's name is Zyla Smith. She's two years old. Like you said, definitely a life-changing experience, so now me and her got to enjoy that moment and get to go through this whole process together, and then me being in a better position to take care of my daughter. That's always been my mindset since she came into my life. That's my motivation, that's my why. And then me going out there, that's kind of my background story. The way I play is because I know I have a daughter back at home."

(On what qualities he will add to the locker room)

"Me coming from a winning culture, me being one of the leaders on that winning team –being able to take that and adapt to the new locker room and trying to bring those traits."

(On knowing Todd Bowles and his ability to design plays and unique packages)

"Yeah, I also think he does a real good job putting his players and using their skillset to the best of their ability, which Georgia also did a real good job [in position] at. When we met he said they run similar stuff to what Georgia ran, so it would be plug-and-play. And then him having a background at Temple with him going to Temple, he knows where I come from and knowing the chip on my shoulder that I have, so knowing I'm going to come in and work every day and put my best foot forward every day."

(On his traits)

"Football IQ, versatility, and then just a dog mindset – see ball, get ball. And then, like I said, putting my best foot forward every day."

(On his message to Buccaneers fans)

"Thank you – just know y'all are going to get my best. I'm glad to be a part of the organization and can't wait to get to the community, get to meet everyone, and play for y'all every weekend."

WIDE RECEIVER JALEN MCMILLAN

(On joining a wide receiver room that features Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, plus the opportunity to play with QB Baker Mayfield)

"It's surreal. I've been watching them for God knows how long. Just to be able to be in the same offense as them and to learn from them, I'm going to take in everything I need to take in and follow in their footsteps."

(On joining other University of Washington graduates on the Buccaneers)

"I played with Cade [Otton] for a little bit – me and him were cool. I learned from him when it came to catching because he always caught with no gloves. Just watching that was kind of inspiring. I knew Joe [Tryon-Shoyinka] but Joe was a year before me. I'm pretty sure we'll connect when I get to Tampa, but obviously I can't wait to be with those guys and can't wait to learn from Cade [Otton], obviously. And, Tampa, [they are] a physical team that loves to throw the ball. I'm excited to get there and be a pass catcher."

(On what his role might be in Tampa Bay's offense)

"I know that I'm a versatile receiver, I know that I'm an outside and a slot [receiver] – I can play whatever. I'm ready to contribute, I'm ready to make plays, and I'm ready to do whatever they need me to do."

(On playing in a stacked University of Washington offense this past season)

"It taught me brotherhood. When we were playing together, I wanted them to eat. Being alongside them, it taught me that you have to share the love. At the end of the day, we're all going to make plays and we all want to win games."

(On what it was like to get the phone call from General Manager Jason Licht)

"Oh, it was surreal. I was stressing out. I was sitting upstairs, I was with my agent, and everybody else was downstairs. I was trying to calm myself down and then all of the sudden, my phone rang and I looked at my agent like, 'Is this really happening?' I picked up the phone call shocked and I couldn't control my voice. It was surreal."

(On if he went and found a family member after his phone call)

"I sprinted down the steps and hugged my mom and my grandma right away and everybody knew what time it was. It was a very surreal feeling."

(On if he had a formal interview with the Buccaneers leading up to the draft)

"I didn't have a top-30 [visit]. I met with them at the combine [and] it went great. Just being around them showed me their energy and I know we can vibe really well. I can't wait to be coached by them."

(On his skillset as a pass catcher)

"I know how to beat man [coverage]. When it comes to zone coverage, I can identify zone. I feel like I'm that guy when it comes to third-down plays. I just feel as though I can contribute right away. Whatever knowledge I can pick up from Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, it's going to be amazing just to be with them."

(On playing with QB Baker Mayfield)

"It's going to be really, really good. His confidence is going to make my confidence soar. I watched him at Oklahoma and just watched him ball. Just the way he plays the game and his swagger and everything that comes with him is something that I aspire to be."

(On what personal characteristics he brings to the Buccaneers)

"I bring leadership, as well. I love to focus on the relationships that I build. I love to be the guy that's always checking in on people and making sure everybody is good. I want to be that guy that comes to the locker room and that can draw attention in a positive way and bring great energy to that locker room."

(On what the University of Washington's success from this past season taught him)

"It taught me about patience. I dealt with a knee injury all year and I had to watch from the sidelines, but I had to stay ready. It really taught me to just hone in on my work and always be ready for the next play, because as soon as I came back, I had to go in the game and make plays for my team. So, just hard work and being patient."

(On if he has a message for Buccaneers fans)

"I can't wait to be a part of this organization. You're going to get a baller. You're going to get a guy that's confident. You're going to get a gem in the draft. I can't wait to be a part of this organization and make plays for everybody."

-BUCCANEERS-

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