The 2025 NFL offseason is here and that means it’s time for mock drafts, draft profiles and everything that goes with them. So without further ado, here’s one of many Draft Profiles for the 2025 NFL draft.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
HT: 6’4
WT: 226 lbs
Accolades:
• First-team All-American (2024)
• First-team All-Big Ten (2024)
Video:
Pros:
• Hot motor with sideline-to-sideline range. Shows dog mentality when chasing down ball carriers in space.
• Quick trigger downhill with natural instincts to shoot gaps and beat blockers to spots in the run game.
• Plays with loose hips and fluid feet in coverage. Clean pedal and transitions when matching up with backs and tight ends.
• High football IQ with savvy route recognition. Consistently finds work in zone and processes combinations quickly.
• Nasty demeanor as a blitzer. Shows juice getting home and understands how to disguise and time up pressures.
• Plus body control and balance as a tackler. Breaks down in space and drives through contact with proper form.
• Battle-tested special teams demon with three years of experience in the third phase.
• Team captain- commands respect in the locker room through work ethic.
Cons:
• Thin-framed defender with questionable anchor. Gets swallowed by size and lacks pop in his hands when taking on blocks.
• Raw stack-and-shed ability. Struggles to disengage once bigger bodies latch on at point of attack.
• Green in terms of starting experience with only one year as primary defender.
• Can play too fast downhill at times. Gets caught peeking in backfield and will overrun some fits.
• Build limits upside as traditional inside backer. Frame suggests move to WILL in pros.
Summary:
Carson Schwesinger profiles as a developmental WILL linebacker with immediate special teams value. He boasts innate instincts and above-average athleticism, but must bulk up and refine his ability to shed blocks to secure defensive playing time. If he can maintain his agility while increasing his strength, he possesses the potential to become a three-down contributor.
Schwesinger is best suited for a 4-3 defensive scheme, where he can capitalize on his strengths in space and exploit gaps, rather than consistently engaging with blockers. He’s poised to make an instant impact on special teams, particularly in kick coverage, while developing into a reliable backup linebacker. As a Day three prospect, Schwesinger offers upside for growth into a defensive sub-package role.
To reach his full potential, Schwesinger must focus on adding strength at the point of attack without compromising his athleticism. While he demonstrates flashes of playmaking ability, he needs to develop greater consistency in reading keys and trusting his instincts. His blue-collar work ethic and value on special teams, however, provide a clear pathway for him to secure a roster spot and gradually expand his role.
Information in this article first appeared on NFL Draft Buzz and is used with permission. Find the latest coverage, analysis, and player rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft at nfldraftbuzz.com
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