Bradyn Swinson 2025 NFL Draft: LSU EDGE Scouting Report

In this talented 2025 NFL Draft class, a standout edge rusher to know is Bradyn Swinson. He’s an explosive edge rusher from LSU with solid length. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth expert scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.

Bradyn Swinson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Swinson’s path to the 2025 NFL Draft has been a slow burn with a late explosion. A three-star recruit out of Chapel Hill High School in Georgia, Swinson began his college career at Oregon, where he spent three seasons developing as a rotational piece. After limited starting opportunities with the Ducks, he transferred to LSU in 2023, seeking a bigger stage. His first year in Baton Rouge showed promise, but his 2024 redshirt senior season vaulted him into the national spotlight.

Starting 12 of 13 games, Swinson emerged as LSU’s most disruptive defensive lineman. Impressively, he led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures while earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. Moving forward, he has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.

Furthermore, Swinson’s frame is lean but well-proportioned for an edge rusher. His long arms enhance his reach and disruption radius. Additionally, his 7.13-second 3-cone drill hints at solid change-of-direction ability. However, he’s not necessarily an elite bender. At 255 pounds, he’s slightly lighter than some traditional 4-3 defensive ends, which shapes his ideal NFL fit, though he does have experience as a 3-4 outside backer.

HT: 6035
WT: 255
HAND: 978
ARM: 3338
40: 4.76

Strengths:

• Explosive First Step: Swinson’s get-off is his calling card. He consistently fires off the line with a twitchy burst, putting tackles on their heels and winning the initial race to the edge.
• Versatile Pass-Rush Toolbox: He blends speed, power, and finesse, employing a long-arm move, chop-rip combos, and a developing inside counter to keep blockers guessing. His hand activity is sharp, allowing him to disengage quickly.
• Motor and Pursuit: Swinson plays with relentless energy, chases plays sideline-to-sideline and excels as a backside defender. His closing speed often turns pressures into sacks or tackles for loss.
• Length Advantage: His wingspan is a weapon, enabling him to disrupt passing lanes, bat down throws, and maintain separation from blockers even when his initial move stalls.
• Big-Game Impact: Swinson saved his best for LSU’s toughest matchups in 2024, notably dominating South Carolina (3 sacks) and Ole Miss (2.5 TFLs), showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.

Areas for Improvement:

• Run Defense Inconsistency: While improved in 2024, Swinson’s lighter frame and high pad level leave him vulnerable against the run. He struggles to anchor against double teams and can get washed out by combo blocks.
• Limited Bend: He lacks elite flexibility around the corner, often relying on speed or power rather than dipping under tackles. This caps his ceiling as a pure edge threat.
• Over-Aggressiveness: His hunger for penetration sometimes backfires, as he’ll crash inside too hard, losing contain and opening cutback lanes for runners or mobile QBs.
• Counter Development: While his pass-rush arsenal is diverse, his secondary moves need refinement. If his initial plan fails, he can get stuck on blocks without a clear reset.
• Late Bloomer Concerns: With only one year as a full-time starter, Swinson’s sample size of elite production is smaller than some peers, raising questions about consistency at the next level.

Conclusion:

Swinson profiles best as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end in a scheme that prioritizes speed off the edge. His skill set aligns with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, or New England Patriots, who value rotational pass rushers with upside. He’s likely a sub-package specialist early in his career, excelling on obvious passing downs where his burst and length can shine. With coaching to refine his run defense and add polish to his counters, he has the tools to grow into a three-down starter.

Like K’Lavon Chaisson (Patriots), there are similar athletic traits and college production, though Swinson’s higher motor and hand usage suggest a stronger floor.

Swinson’s blend of production, physical tools, and late-season buzz should land him in the third or fourth round (potentially earlier). A strong pre-draft showing could push him into the top 50, especially in a deep EDGE class where his versatility stands out.

Bradyn Swinson is a high-energy, toolsy edge rusher who’s just scratching the surface of his potential. His 2024 leap at LSU proved he can dominate when given the reins, but his rawness against the run and need for technical growth temper expectations. For a team willing to invest in his development, Swinson offers immediate pass-rush juice and the promise of more as he matures. He’s a classic “traits over polish” prospect with a motor that won’t quit.

Round Grade: Late 3rd – Early 4th Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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