LSU’s Bradyn Swinson has an exciting pass-rush skill set, offering the explosiveness, bend, and length to excel at getting to the quarterback. While his game is far from perfect, he’s a prospect gaining momentum as the NFL Draft approaches.
Bradyn Swinson Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 255 pounds
- Position: Defensive end
- School: LSU
- Current year: Senior
Scouting Report
Swinson is from Douglasville, Georgia, and played high school football at Chapel Hill High School. A three-star prospect, he drew interest from several programs before committing to Oregon.
As a freshman in 2020, he played in seven games during the COVID-shortened season. He became a key contributor as a redshirt freshman and sophomore, standing out as one of the better players on defense.
Swinson entered the transfer portal in 2023 and signed with LSU. He played two full seasons with the Tigers and broke out in 2024, leading the team in sacks.
Strengths
- Long-limbed rusher with a well-built frame
- Fluid athlete with excellent lower-body flexibility and change-of-direction ability
- Explosive speed rusher who wins on the edge
- Excellent bend and body control to flatten and turn the corner to get to the quarterback
- Active hands throughout the rush with a variety of pass-rush moves
- Good range as a run defender, capable of chasing plays sideline to sideline
Weaknesses
- Adequate but not overpowering strength at the point of attack
- Still developing as a run defender and can be overpowered by offensive tackles
- Inconsistent instincts and can be fooled by misdirection
- Struggles to shed blocks once engaged
Current Draft Projection and Summary
LSU pass rusher Bradyn Swinson is an exciting prospect who is just scratching the surface of his potential. Though he was a one-year starter, he has plenty of experience as a four-year contributor at top-tier programs. He projects as a pass-rush specialist who would fit well as a stand-up edge rusher in an odd-front scheme.
Swinson has a lot to offer. He has good size and length and is an outstanding athlete. He’s an explosive mover who wins with speed and agility in both the pass and run game. However, he lacks the strength and power of a true three-down edge defender.
As a pass rusher, Swinson can win in multiple ways. He’s explosive off the snap and has the speed to beat offensive tackles off the edge. His bend and body control are top-notch, allowing him to flatten and turn the corner efficiently. He’s a natural at getting to the quarterback.
While his speed and bend are his go-to traits, he’s not a one-trick pony. Swinson has the length to land punches, jolt blockers, and finish plays. His hands are quick and active, and he has a diverse set of rush moves to counter opposing tackles. Though not overly powerful, he flashes the ability to convert speed to power when needed.
Against the run, Swinson still has work to do. He plays with high effort but lacks the functional strength to set the edge against bigger blockers. He struggles against double teams and can be washed out on combo blocks. His instincts need refinement, as he can be fooled by counters and traps.
However, his athleticism stands out in space. He has excellent range, can beat ball carriers to the edge, and excels in backside pursuit. He always plays through the whistle.
Overall, Swinson profiles as a pass-rush specialist who needs development before he can be relied on in obvious run situations. His skill set is exciting, and teams will likely see him as a moldable player with significant upside. Expect Swinson to come off the board early in the third round.