Bradyn Swinson Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Stephen Lew/IMAGN Images)
School: LSU
Class: Senior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’4
WT: 255 lbs
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Background: Bradyn Swinson was a consensus 3-star defensive end in the class of 2020. Swinson is from Douglasville, Georgia and attended Chapel Hill High School. Swinson was regarded as a top 20 player at his position and top 500 player nationally. As a senior, Swinson was named Region Defensive Player of the Year. He was an all-state selection that year and twice named all-region. Out of high school, Bradyn Swinson committed to Oregon over Arizona State, North Carolina, and Georgia Tech. Swinson appeared in every game as a true freshman for the Ducks in 2020. He became a real contributor for Oregon in 2021, totaling 4 TFLs and 3 sacks. His production seemed to take a step back at Oregon after coaching changes, leading to Swinson transferring to LSU ahead of the 2023 season. In his first season as a Tiger, Swinson had 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 5 pass breakups. In 2024, Swinson was an All-SEC Second Team selection after recording 13 TFLs and 8 sacks.
Strengths: Swinson saw a swift rise in production at LSU, which caused him to shoot up draft boards. Swinson brings strength into the point of attack to punch and long arm offensive tackles off their anchor. Despite not being a bigger edge rusher, Swinson has the power in his punch and the drive in his legs to walk offensive tackles back into the pocket. His hands are active and allows him to shed blockers quickly and efficiently. Swinson has no wasted movements on the edge, each step comes with purpose. He consistently wins with explosiveness and a quick firs step to set the edge. He has the bend and ankle flexion to get low around the extension of offensive tackles. Swinson is hardly ever slowed down by chip blockers. He absorbs contact well for his leaner frame and is able to continue his forward momentum. Swinson is a plus tackler in the run game. He does well to contain the edge and not allow ball carriers to bounce it outside against him.
Weaknesses: Swinson plays looking through a straw too often, leading to him taking himself out of plays. He has the lateral quickness and movement ability to cut inside into the backfield, but he does not always press the trigger when necessary. While he has active hands, his hand placement is a bit inconsistent. If he whiffs in the phone booth, he gets a little too forward-leaning and loses the battle of leverage. If he does not win after his first step, he tends to get swallowed up as he does not generate enough momentum on the move.
Conclusion: Bradyn Swinson is a fluid and explosive mover off the edge. He gives opponents trouble with his bend and speed to get around the edge in a hurry. His ability to contain the run makes him a candidate for a heavy snap count early on.
Scheme Fit: 3-4
Ideal Role: Outside Rush LB
Best Team Fits: ARI, SEA, NO
Player Comparison: BJ Ojulari
Player Grade: Round 4 (68.0)
