FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at LSU defensive lineman Bradyn Swinson. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bradyn Swinson
Bradyn Swinson (DE – LSU)
6-foot-4 | 250 Pounds
Background
Three-star recruit who originally committed to Oregon, where he played sparingly in 2020 (64 snaps, three tackles) before taking on a significant role the following year (334 snaps, one start) and finishing with 24-4.0-3.0. After being limited to just 144 snaps in 2022 (8-2.0-0.0), Bradyn Swinson transferred to LSU, where he started one game in 2023, but totaled 379 snaps and posted a 35-7.0-2.0 line. Broke out this year as a full-time starter (56-13.0-8.5 as of the time of writing.)
Positives
Relatively tall, long-limbed EDGE whose development trajectory looks very good, with big strides in each of the past two seasons. Typically lines up in a two-point stance. Explosive off the line of scrimmage, with good reaction times to the ball being snapped. Plays the run with physicality and toughness. Knee bend allows him to get leverage and anchor better than anticipated in the run game. Gets solid extension to keep blockers out of his frame, and does a nice job of keeping his shoulders square.
Swinson has active hands and a refined technique for shedding. Shows good discipline on the back side. Has turned into a dangerous pass-rusher. Teams often try to chip him with backs and tight ends. His ability to anticipate counts/react to the snap, coupled with his speed off the edge, makes him challenging to block on an island. Bends a smooth arc to the passer and does a nice job of using his hands to work his way past opponents when turning the edge.
Not purely a speed rusher, mixing in bull rushes as well; also shows the ability to convert speed to power as a rusher, with active feet. Closes very fast when he finds a lane to the passer. Consistently gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.
Negatives
Has been in school for five years, so he’s a bit older than the other top EDGE rushes in the class. May be asked to add additional bulk at the next level. Some issues crop up with balance, whether on contact or when playing too far out over his base. Can occasionally struggle to anticipate and locate the football when engaged in the run game.
Swinson gets stuck on some blocks when he’s in a position to potentially make a stop. Is tough and physical, but doesn’t have a ton of natural power to reset the line of scrimmage. Can sometimes be overpowered by opposing tight ends. There’s too much wasted movement when he works in zone coverage.
Summary
A late bloomer who didn’t break out until his fifth year in school, but who should now be considered one of the most dangerous EDGE rushers in the class. Working out of a two-point stance helps show off Swinson’s excellent combination of twitchiness, speed, bend, hand use and burst to wreak havoc in the passing game.
While he isn’t the biggest or strongest EDGE, he shows impressive toughness and competitiveness in the run game, with relatively sound fundamentals on early downs. Athletic tools and polish should get him second-round looks.
Projection: Round 2
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