LSU EDGE Bradyn Swinson 2025 NFL Draft Profile

Cons

• Limited Role Versatility
  Most NFL edge defenders are able to mix things up with their pre-snap alignment and post-snap role, but Swinson really doesn't. This may just be linked to what LSU was asking him to do, but Swinson very rarely lined up to attempt anything but rush the passer from the exact same spot outside the tackle. Very little dropping into coverage and true edge-setting in the run. He may be limited to a pass rush specialist role as opposed to an every down player if he can't branch out.
• Missed Tackles in Pursuit
  This is a common issue in the 2025 NFL Draft class. There are a ton of extremely talented pass rushers with significant tackling problems. Swinson's is more specifically missing tackles in pursuit from behind or the side of the action on a play. He'll over-pursue and miss a gap. He'll dive and/or arm tackle when he should form tackle, wrapping an offensive player up. The good thing? This seems to be more like an adjustable stylistic issue than a want-to or strength problem.
• Extremely Late Breakout
  It took Swinson five years to truly break out into the special edge rusher he is now. Usually the most talented and successful NFL edge defenders have much more extensive resumes of destroying the competition than Swinson.

Player Evaluation:

Overall Bradyn Swinson looks like a ferocious pass rush specialist who could push his way into a near every down role if he improves in run defense and tackle consistency. He's one of the more athletic, bendy, big-bodied edge defenders in the class who is just lean enough in body composition to maintain impressive speed.

If Swinson can test well at the NFL Combine, and prove to teams he's willing to add layers to his game, he may rise into the early portion of day two in the NFL Draft.

Player Comparison:

Alex Highsmith
Just like Highsmith, Bradyn Swinson hasn't posted an extremely high sack rate for his career, but he's always wreaking havoc in the backfield. He has sufficient bend, burst, and strength to win in pass rush situations in a variety of ways, but doesn't have to be the absolute star of a defense. Swinson is fine playing his role on every single play like Highsmith, even if it's just setting up someone else to land the sack on the opposing quarterback.

A to Z Rankings:

A to Z Big Board Ranking: 94

A to Z Draft Grade: 6.87 (out of 10)

Draft projection: Potential Day Two (6.01-7.00)

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