Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Size:
Height: 6035
Weight: 255
Arm: 33 ⅜”
Hand: 9 ⅞”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Bradyn Swinson is primarily a stand-up edge rusher who has all of the physical tools to be a well-rounded and productive rusher using his natural speed and power to get sacks in the NFL.”
Strengths:
Quick first step/closing speed
Athleticism/change of direction
High motor and effort
Showcases hand counters
Functional strength
Toughness
Concerns:
Can choose better pass-rush lanes
Clean up technique setting the edge
Strength to hold at the point of attack.
Film Analysis:
Bradyn Swinson is a two-year starter for the LSU Tigers, following his first three seasons at the University of Oregon. The 2024 season has been a breakout year for Swinson, as he has already surpassed his previous career total for sacks. Swinson has stepped up significantly in 2024, serving as a leader and playmaker for an LSU defense in search of a stronger identity. He has shown glimpses of his potential as an NFL pass rusher if given the opportunity, using his combination of athleticism, strength, and instincts to excel in both the run game and as a pass rusher.
In the run game, Swinson is most effective when lined up on the outside shade of the offensive tackle, where he is tasked with setting the edge of the defense. Swinson has demonstrated the ability to diagnose various run schemes and adjust accordingly. Against zone schemes, he works to prevent himself from being reach-blocked by the offensive tackle and maintains outside leverage to set a hard edge, redirecting the flow of the play back inside. Against pulling blockers, Swinson takes a physical approach, attacking blocks to disrupt the structure of the run play. His motor and effort are particularly evident against the run; when on the backside of a play, he works to chase down ball carriers and is willing to pursue them more than 20 yards down the field.
As a pass rusher, Swinson’s skill set shines brightest. From the snap, Swinson’s explosive first step helps him win leverage with his speed rushes. He has the speed and bend to dip his shoulder underneath offensive tackles, turn the corner, and get to the quarterback. Swinson’s agility and natural athleticism allow him to switch effectively from outside to inside moves, changing his path to catch offensive tackles off guard. He can also counter with quick spin moves, and he demonstrates a strong repertoire of hand techniques, including two-hand swipes, cross-chops, and other maneuvers. An added layer of versatility is Swinson’s ability to convert speed to power, using a bull rush or long arm to catch offensive linemen off guard and drive them backward to pressure the quarterback. Although Swinson has a diverse pass-rush arsenal, there is still room for him to refine his technique and reach an even higher level of effectiveness.
Swinson's improvements as a player are evident in both the run game and as a pass rusher. In the run game, he could benefit from increased strength, as he is sometimes inconsistent at holding the point of attack and setting the edge. As a pass rusher, Swinson occasionally takes a direct path through the offensive tackle rather than attacking the edges to create better opportunities for himself. While both of these areas need improvement, they are developmental adjustments that can be addressed with coaching.
Overall, Swinson is a naturally gifted edge rusher who, with his breakout 2024 season, has shown the potential to continue developing into an effective pass rusher in the NFL.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Ole Miss (2024), USC (2024), Texas A&M (2024) Arkansas (2024)
