2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bradyn Swinson

Strengths

• Explosive Get-Off: Possesses one of the quickest first steps in this draft class, immediately challenging offensive tackles off the snap.
• Length and Hand Usage: Utilizes his nearly 34-inch arms effectively to keep blockers at bay and disengage when necessary.
• Speed-to-Power Conversion: Able to translate initial burst into functional power, disrupting the pocket by knocking tackles off balance.
• Run Defense: Despite a leaner frame, he sets a strong edge with sound technique and plays with discipline against the run.
• Relentless Motor: Consistently displays high effort, pursuing plays downfield and never quitting on a rep.

Weaknesses

• Flexibility Issues: He exhibits stiffness in his hips and ankles, which limits his ability to bend and flatten around the edge effectively.
• Pass-Rush Arsenal Needs Development: Lacks a consistent inside counter move; if his initial rush is stymied, he can struggle to generate pressure.
• Pad Level Inconsistency: Tends to play with a higher pad level at times, reducing leverage and effectiveness against stronger offensive linemen.
• Coverage Inexperience: Primarily deployed as a stand-up rusher with limited experience dropping into coverage; will need development in this area to fit versatile defensive schemes.

Final Thoughts and Bears Fit for Bradyn Swinson

Swinson has all the physical traits that NFL teams look for in an edge rusher, but he remains a work in progress from a technical standpoint. His ability to win with explosiveness and length will translate well early on, particularly in sub-packages where he can attack in obvious passing situations. However, to become a full-time starter, he must refine his pass-rush plan, add inside counters, and improve his flexibility to bend the edge effectively.

His ability to convert speed to power should make him an asset, particularly from a Wide-Nine alignment, where he can maximize his first-step explosiveness. He has the natural length and strength to effectively engage offensive tackles, and if he can improve his leverage consistency, he has the tools to become a high-level disruptor off the edge. While he may need time to develop his technique and counter moves, his motor and physical traits suggest he can contribute early as a situational pass rusher while growing into a larger role.

For the Bears, we know new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers bigger edge rushers. While Swinson may not be the exact prototype he typically targets, he’s not far off. More importantly, the Bears need a consistent pass-rushing presence, and that’s exactly what Swinson brings to the table. 

When Ben Johnson was hired, he emphasized that quarterback success and efficiency are the biggest factors in team success. Given that philosophy, it only makes sense that he would want his defense to do everything possible to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. As the Bears’ defensive line currently stands (written pre-free agency), they simply don’t have enough firepower to generate consistent pressure.

Swinson's combination of explosiveness, length, and motor makes him worth a high investment early on Day 2. I’d be comfortable taking him with one of the Bears' early second-round picks, knowing that with the right development, he could significantly outperform his draft slot.

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