Player Profile: Tyler Brayton

[RaiderInNY]

Player Profile: Tyler Brayton
By: RaiderInNY, for Raiderfans.net

Tyler Brayton was the 32nd player chosen in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. The 6-6, 280 pound defensive end out of Colorado was named starter as a rookie for the Silver and Black’s first game of the 2003 season. His physical nature, great size and constant hard work on the field made an impression on Raider executives, coaching staff and fans, all of who are expecting great things from the first year starter.

During his four year collegiate career at Colorado, he recorded 152 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 25 tackles for losses and three forced fumbles in 47 games. He only started during his junior and senior years (2001, 2002) and was redshirted as a freshman, performing on the scout team as a defensive end. His ability to get off the snap quickly, solid tackling and overall athletic ability earned him All-Big Twelve conference second-team honors during his senior season. Tyler has a good feel for pressure and flashes exceptional hand usage to press and separate from blockers. He is also known as a solid tackler who will square up and wrap, bringing good explosion from his hips and legs to drive the ball carrier back. His best game during his senior season was against Kansas, in which he had 10 solo tackles, caused a fumble, deflected a pass, had a sack for a 12 yard loss and had 3 stops for loses of 18 yards. His biggest quality during his collegiate career was his unquestionable leadership, which will make an impact on a Raider team that has veterans and young stars a like.

Notes:
- Recipient of the Dave Jones Award during his senior year at Colorado (team's outstanding defensive player).

- Ran a 4.75 40 yard dash during the NFL combine.

- Spanish major while in Colorado

- Grandfather, Bobo Brayton, lettered in both football and baseball at Washington State, and was the Cougars' long-time baseball coach (33 years).

[crizpynutz]

I like what I'm seeing from Brayton so far (4 games in). He's not yet a dominating DE and he's been overpursuing a bit on the run defense, but he is a rookie. He's shown great speed and the ability to handle the offensive lineman in the NFL. Once he gains a more experience and we can pair him with a better DE on the other side (Grant is dissappointing thus far and we traded K.Coleman??) he'll do better. I'm very happy with this kid, he could be a real leader for us on defense in the future.