UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger led the FBS with 90 solo tackles in 2024 and ranked third with 136 total tackles. His instincts and agility have positioned him to be one of the first linebackers off the board, but analysts have him going anywhere between the first and third round.
Both CBS Sports and The Draft Network have the Rams selecting Schwesinger with the 26th overall pick in recent mock drafts. A Moorpark, Calif. native, Schwesinger would make a valuable addition to a somewhat depleted Rams linebacker room as a homecoming pickup.
This is not an endorsement of Schwesinger by the Rams, nor is it an indication that they are targeting him. This is simply a reflection of external media linking Schwesinger to Los Angeles in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here's a breakdown of Schwesinger's game and the value he could bring to the Rams' defense.
Scouting Report
Schwesinger is on the smaller side for a linebacker at 6-foot-2 1/2, 242 pounds, but he's not just a tackle merchant. The First-Team All-American collected 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble in 2024.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com highlighted Schwesinger's "rare instincts" for evading blockers and attacking rushing lanes. He noted Schwesinger's high-end tackling ability and play recognition against both the run and pass. His 50 stops, defined as a tackle forcing an unsuccessful play for the offense, were tied for 18th-most among linebackers in the FBS last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
"A name that has consistently popped, Carson Schwesinger is a bowling ball with knives in the middle of a defense and projects as a green dot for a long time," wrote Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network.
Schwesinger can cover a ton of ground in the middle of the field, changing direction seamlessly and was a more-than-capable pass rusher in blitzing scenarios, according to Bleacher Report. He also hasn't had any major injuries, but that's partially due to his limited experience as a starter. Schwesinger only broke into UCLA's starting lineup in the third game of this past season, but he made every snap count once he did.
As a former walk-on at UCLA, Schwesinger worked his way up the ranks to become a key piece of the defense as a redshirt junior in 2024. He was one of five finalist for the Butkus Award, which goes to college football's top linebacker, one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the nation's top player who began his career as a walk-on.
That ascension molded him into a special teams ace, so even if he doesn't see the field on defense from Day 1, he'll make an impact for whatever team drafts him. He could stand to gain some weight to help him get off blocks, but it's his elite agility and intelligence that make Schwesinger an exceptional prospect.
"The UCLA product has impressive instincts against the run, especially considering how little game experience he has," Bleacher Report wrote. "Paired with his speed and athleticism, he can beat offensive linemen to the spot to get unblocked tackles. Also, he knows when to crash downhill and attack gaps, and can match running backs' paths out of the backfield."
Fit
The Rams only have four inside linebackers on the roster, none of which were drafted, so Schwesinger could add depth and a higher ceiling at the position.
"Considering the youth movement up front for L.A. over the last few drafts, adding a player like Schwesinger fills a need at the position while plugging in one of the draft's elite triggermen and one-on-one tacklers," Fowler wrote. "He'd play off the likes of Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner extremely well."
Los Angeles allowed the seventh-most yards per rush during the regular season last year and had the fifth-lowest run stuff rate (plays resulting in zero or negative yards), according to Next Gen Stats. Even if the Rams hadn't lost former starter Christian Rozeboom in free agency, a quick linebacker who senses rushing lanes and shoots gaps is something L.A. could definitely benefit from.
With Rozeboom gone, L.A. signed Nate Landman to a one-year deal on Wednesday, pairing him with another undrafted free agent from the 2024 class, Omar Speights. Those are the only two linebackers on the Rams' roster that have taken a defensive snap for Los Angeles. Schwesinger would likely have the chance to compete for a starting role and provide a different skill set than L.A. currently has at the linebacker position.
"He's a human bloodhound, pairing elite instincts with an understanding of blocking schemes and run tracks," Zierlein wrote. "… 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."
