Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker from UCLA, has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 225 pounds, Schwesinger’s journey from walk-on to All-American is a testament to his work ethic and rapid development.
Athletic Profile
Schwesinger boasts impressive athleticism, which is evident in his ability to cover ground both vertically and horizontally with remarkable speed. His springy legs and fluid movement allow him to excel in coverage situations, showcasing loose hips that enable him to stay in phase with running backs and tight ends in man coverage. This athleticism translates well to the modern NFL, where linebackers are expected to be versatile and capable of handling various coverage responsibilities.
Strengths
Coverage Skills
Schwesinger’s coverage abilities are a standout feature of his game. He demonstrates proficiency in dropping into coverage, taking away post routes in Tampa 2 schemes, and tightening throwing windows when playing underneath. His fluid hips and quick transitions make him particularly effective when matching up against backs and tight ends.
Instincts and Processing
Despite his limited starting experience, Schwesinger displays outstanding instincts in all phases of the game. His ability to read plays quickly and react accordingly allows him to make impactful plays against both the run and pass. This football IQ is particularly impressive given his relatively short time as a starter.
Run Defense
In run defense, Schwesinger combines his instincts with his athleticism to great effect. He shows a knack for beating offensive linemen to the spot, resulting in unblocked tackles. His ability to crash downhill, attack gaps, and match running backs’ paths out of the backfield makes him a versatile defender against the run.
Tackling
Schwesinger is a reliable tackler, boasting a missed tackle rate of less than eight percent. He combines wrap-up ability with explosive collisions, making him effective in both open-field and close-quarters situations.
Special Teams Value
With extensive experience as a special teams contributor, Schwesinger offers immediate value in the third phase of the game. This experience could help him see the field early in his NFL career while he develops as a defensive player.
Areas for Improvement
Size and Strength
At 225 pounds, Schwesinger is on the lighter side for an NFL linebacker. He may need to add mass to his frame to better handle the physicality of the pro game, particularly when taking on blocks from offensive linemen.
Block Shedding
Schwesinger’s ability to disengage from blocks, especially against larger opponents, is an area that needs improvement. Developing better hand usage and technique in this area will be crucial for his success at the next level.
Experience
With only one year as a full-time starter, Schwesinger’s sample size is limited. While he has shown tremendous growth, there may be concerns about his readiness for the complexities of NFL defenses.
NFL Projection
Schwesinger projects as a versatile linebacker who could fit well in a 4-3 scheme as a WILL (weakside) linebacker. His coverage skills and athleticism make him an attractive option for teams looking for a three-down linebacker who can stay on the field in passing situations.
Initially, Schwesinger is likely to make his biggest impact on special teams, where his experience and athleticism will be valuable assets. As he develops and potentially adds mass to his frame, he could grow into a starting role, particularly in sub-packages that emphasize his coverage abilities.
His draft projection currently places him as a potential Day 3 selection, likely in the 4th round. However, given his rapid rise and the potential he has shown, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his stock improve leading up to the draft, especially if he performs well at the NFL Combine and in pre-draft workouts.
Conclusion
Carson Schwesinger represents the modern NFL linebacker: athletic, versatile, and capable in coverage. His journey from walk-on to All-American is a compelling narrative that speaks to his work ethic and potential for further growth. While he may need time to develop certain aspects of his game, particularly in terms of taking on blocks and adding strength, his instincts, coverage skills, and special teams value make him an intriguing prospect.
For NFL teams looking for a linebacker who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a potential starter, Schwesinger offers an appealing package. His ability to play in space, coupled with his football IQ and tackling prowess, gives him a solid foundation to build upon at the next level. As the NFL continues to evolve towards more pass-heavy offenses, players like Schwesinger who can excel in coverage while still providing support against the run will be increasingly valuable.
While he may not be a first-round pick, Carson Schwesinger has the potential to outperform his draft position and become a solid contributor in the NFL. His rapid development at UCLA suggests that he has not yet reached his ceiling, making him a prospect with significant upside for teams willing to invest in his development.
