UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger held a private workout for NFL teams earlier this week. It represented Schwesinger's only opportunity throughout the process to display his skill set for scouts after a minor injury prevented him from participating at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Scouts left the workout impressed.
Schwesinger ran the three-cone in 7.05 seconds, the shuttle in 4.25 seconds, and broad jumped 10-foot-7, per scouts in attendance. All three results would have ranked second among linebackers at the NFL Combine. Schwesinger is an elite athlete at the position.
The No. 30 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100, Schwesinger projects as a top-50 selection. The UCLA standout is a heat-seeking missile when firing downhill. We've identified three potential fits in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have a new defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo and they've undergone sweeping changes at linebacker this offseason. Veteran Zaire Franklin is the only notable returnee. E.J. Speed recently signed with the AFC South rival Houston Texans in free agency.
Anarumo typically utilizes three off-ball linebackers in his scheme. The current depth chart would project Jaylon Carlies and Segun Olubi in roles opposite Franklin. Carlies is a second-year fifth-round pick who played 242 snaps last season, and Olubi is a former undrafted free agent who didn't even log 25 defensive snaps. Schwesinger is an impressive athlete who meets the thresholds general manager Chris Ballard typically looks for. Schwesinger triggers sideline to sideline with rare instincts.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers hosted Schwesinger on a pre-draft visit, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler. Linebacker coach NaVorro Bowman was also in attendance for Schwesinger's pro day. It appears the Chargers are showing legitimate interest in the instinctual linebacker.
Linebacker doesn't appear to be a pressing need for the Chargers, but they may view Schwesinger as a can't-miss prospect. Jim Harbaugh’s defense currently has Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman listed as its starters. The aging Perryman is entering a contract year, though sophomore third-rounder Junior Colson is also waiting on the wings. Schwesinger would be a best-player approach at No. 55 overall.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals fielded a struggling defense in the league in 2024. They finished 12th-worst in passing yards allowed and allowed the seventh-most points per game at 25.5. Even Joe Burrow and Triple Crown winner Ja'Marr Chase couldn't overcome the poor results on the defensive side of the ball.
Changes have been made at linebacker this offseason, but new defensive coordinator Al Golden needs to continue adding speed, youth, and athleticism to this group. It's currently an aging room with multi-year veterans Oren Burks and Germaine Pratt penciled into starting roles. Schwesinger would add a completely different element with a three-down capability to defend the run downhill, and drop in coverage. The Bengals have a ton of money tied into the offense after re-signing Tee Higgins, so they must prioritize landing starting-caliber defenders like Schwesinger via the draft.
