Could the Broncos continue to upgrade their linebackers by drafting UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger?
One prospect the Denver Broncos are showing interest in is UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. He is a 6’2 1⁄2 inch, 242-pound linebacker who is among the top linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL Network’s lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Schwesinger graded as his 44th overall prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft and has him ranked as his second-best linebacker in the entire draft.
Schwesinger played a total of three seasons at UCLA and is coming off a breakout season for the Bruins. Through three seasons with them, he played in 38 games and totaled 163 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble. This past year, he appeared in 12 games and totaled 136 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger had 30 teams — including LB coaches from Dallas, the Chargers, Giants, Saints and Broncos — in attendance for his private pro day today in Los Angeles. He met privately with the LB coaches for Dallas, the Giants and Saints. He did position drills,…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2025
Player Profile
Carson Schwesinger | Linebacker | UCLA
- Height: 6’2 1⁄2 inches
- Weight: 242 pounds
- Hands: 9 1⁄4 inches
- Arm Length: 31 5/8 inches
- Vertical Jump: 39.5 inches
- Bench Press: 20 reps
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.05 seconds (Pro Day)
- Short Shuttle: 4.25 seconds (Pro Day)
- Broad Jump: 10’7” (Pro Day)
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
- Elite instincts, play recognition, and processor
- Reads the offense, gets through the mess, and has a nose for the ball
- Good size, build, and length
- Showcases his athleticism, fluid hips, and explosiveness off the snap
- Classic sideline-to-sideline linebacker
- Smooth in coverage and can cover TE’s and RB’s in the middle of the field or in the flat
- While not a thumper, he is a reliable wrap-up tackler who doesn’t give up many broken tackles
- Productive blitzer
- High energy player with a motor that never quits
- Has special teams upside
Weaknesses
- One year wonder in college
- Not the biggest or strongest LB, but makes up with his instincts
- Could have some issues against bigger blockers in the NFL
What other analysts are saying about UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger
NFL Network’s lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger
Schwesinger is an ultra-instinctive linebacker with range and cover ability. Against the run, he is quick to key/diagnose. He is adept at beating blockers to spots, dipping underneath and avoiding them with quickness. He struggles to free himself when he’s forced to engage blocks. He has outstanding lateral range, and while he lacks thump, he’s a reliable tackler. He is smooth and fluid in coverage and has the agility to mirror/match tight ends and running backs. I love his play speed and energy. He chases plays all over the field. Overall, Schwesinger isn’t the most imposing figure, but he’s going to rack up production because of his blend of speed and instincts.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger
Schwesinger went from walk-on to All-American at UCLA. He’s a human bloodhound, pairing elite instincts with an understanding of blocking schemes and run tracks. The pursuit speed is average but his play recognition helps him play fast. He’s undersized and takes the worst of it when blockers get on top of him, but he’s a good athlete in coverage. He’s also a sound technician as an open-field tackler and bona fide standout on special teams. Schwesinger was a starter for only one season, but his instincts, athleticism, and competitiveness help him project as a future starter either inside or as a 4-3 Will linebacker.
Final Thoughts
Despite signing Dre Greenlaw in free agency, the Broncos do have questions at linebacker. Greenlaw is coming off an Achilles injury he suffered in early 2024 in the Super Bowl vs. the Chiefs that caused him to miss the majority of the 2024 season. I feel like he’ll be good, but that question will remain throughout the offseason and into the regular season. Meanwhile, you have Alex Singleton coming off an ACL injury and turning 32 years old while in the final year of his deal. Both starting linebackers have injury questions and concerns. After that, you have Drew Sanders, who is probably on the roster bubble, and special-teams player Justin Strnad. So, drafting a linebacker early should not be off the table.
I entered this not knowing too much about Schwesinger but I came out a big fan. The instincts jump out to you. He reads the offense quickly, explodes off the snap, and quickly finds the ball carrier. He’s also smooth in coverage and a reliable tackler. Something the Broncos have been lacking in the middle of their defense for a while now.
Teams have been investing heavily in the linebacker position this offseason as offenses are trending more run-heavy. So, adding another high-end linebacker will be a priority for teams.
For the Broncos, it really depends on their faith in Greenlaw and Singleton’s rehab. If they feel good about both, I don’t see them drafting a linebacker early. However, if there is any concern, linebacker may be a priority for them during the draft.
I think he could go as early as the late first round, but he likely goes somewhere between the Broncos’ first and second round picks. Teams are valuing linebackers this offseason, and a needy team could go with Schwesinger, who is one of the best in this draft class. If he is available for the Broncos in the second round and they want to add to their LB room, I wouldn’t hate this move for them.