Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Size:
Height: 6024
Weight: 242
Arm: 31 ⅝”
Hand: 9 ¼”
Accomplishments:
AP First-Team All-American (2024) • First-Team All-Big Ten (2024) • Butkus Award Finalist (2024)
“Carson Schwesinger is a downhill locomotive who fires through anything in front of him with the instincts and athleticism to make plays on all three downs as well as on special teams.”
Strengths:
Instincts
Trigger
Athleticism
One-on-one tackling
Special teams ace
Physicality
Concerns:
Eye discipline
Consistency in angles
Film Analysis:
The anchor in the middle for UCLA, Carson Schwesinger is an electric downhill defender with a throwback type of game due to his physicality and comfortability against the run, with the nuance and ball skills of a modern-day three-down linebacker.
As a run defender, Schwesinger has shown instances where he can sniff out concepts and blocking assignments soon after the ball is snapped. Quick footwork and elite lateral agility to slide from gap to gap. Arrives at contact with excellent pad level and balance, and does not miss on taking opponents to the turf (153 total tackles in 2024 with a 7% missed tackle rate). Can make opponents miss inside of a phone booth when initially squared or can take on blocks, shed, peek, and pursue to all areas. A former walk-on to the UCLA program, his effort and tenacity show up on every snap where each rep is played at 110%. Has the speed to chase down ball-carriers in the fringe areas.
In coverage, it is evident that Schwesinger has an understanding of man and zone principles, with an acute understanding of leverage, tendencies, and skill sets in front of him. Does well to consistently gain depth in zone drops and has showcased excellent eyes and instincts to accelerate into throwing windows that initially look unoccupied (Iowa). More consistency is warranted in the angles he takes in the open field (LSU), where a missed tackle can lead to chunk plays. Tends to do a little too much in coverage at times, where he looks to cover other defenders’ areas while reading the QBs eyes, rather than staying home in an area that may, or may not, have an opponent nearby. The importance of remaining disciplined will remain paramount on plays that extend at the next level past a QBs initial progression.
Overall in space, Schwesinger is extremely active, a net positive at the position, with the hips and athletic profile to carry varying body types. Feet are always moving, a positive for players at his position where much is asked at varying depths.
Schwesinger also carries an intriguing profile as a blitzer. Totaled four sacks in 2024, with the potential for many more in a defense that prioritizes extra bodies through the A and B gaps. Lightning-quick through the line of scrimmage and can blow through linemen or running backs in pass pro (Minnesota). He’s a player who hunts for contact and the football when attacking from depth and is a player who will pop at full speed with anyone in front of him. Good bend and hands to work through blockers as well with the aforementioned speed and tackling ability to wrangle down QBs that escape outside the pocket.
The former Bruin also projects as a long-time core special teamer due to his tackling ability, speed, and desire for contact. Blocked a punt against Fresno State this fall.
Overall, Schwesinger projects as a modern-day three-down defender who should earn heavy snaps early in his career in multiple phases. His outstanding trigger and football IQ showcase well on run downs. He will drop in space on passing downs to boost the intermediate areas of a pass defense. Long term, Schwesinger has the traits to evolve into a captain within the middle of an NFL defense whose hunger for the game and athletic profile paint the picture of one of the premier LBs in the 2025 class.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Iowa (2024), Fresno State (2024), Oregon (2024), Minnesota (2024)
