The Las Vegas Raiders are shaking up their linebacker corps as they move into the 2025 NFL season. Gone are 2024 starters Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, who opted for opportunities elsewhere.
Stepping into those vacated spots are veteran linebackers Elandon Roberts and Devin White, bringing both experience and reliability to the table. But as any knowledgeable fan knows, fresh, young talent is the lifeblood of a defense—enter Carson Schwesinger from UCLA.
In ESPN's newest mock draft, celebrated analyst Mel Kiper has the Raiders eyeing Schwesinger as a solid second-round pick. And why not?
Schwesinger had a breakout season in 2024, racking up an impressive stat line with 115 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions. With those numbers, he seems just the right fit to shore up a linebacker unit with big question marks following the offseason exits.
Ranked among the top linebackers in this draft class, Schwesinger sits at No. 4 on Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema rankings. Though he's on the lighter side for a linebacker, don't be fooled—his quick thinking and sharp intelligence have all the makings of an impactful player, whether he slots in as a Mike or Will linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
The numbers from the 2025 NFL Combine back it up: Next Gen Stats placed him at No. 1 in production among his peers, 10th in athleticism, and second overall with a 6.36 grade. This score hints at a player with the potential to evolve into a "plus-starter," which is quite the commendation for a potential Day 2 selection.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has also weighed in on Schwesinger, highlighting his "rare" agility when charging ahead and evading blockers. Despite his modest frame, he boasts strong mechanics and exceptional body control.
Schwesinger's journey from a walk-on to an All-American at UCLA speaks volumes about his work ethic and instincts. Although he could stand to improve his pursuit speed, Zierlein notes that Schwesinger’s knack for play recognition keeps him competitive, even when undersized against larger blockers.
An athlete not just for the linebacker position, Schwesinger is also a force to be reckoned with on special teams, showing the type of versatility that NFL teams covet. With only one full season as a starter under his belt, his future looks bright. His combination of instincts, athleticism, and grit makes him a promising prospect as an inside linebacker or in a 4-3 Will role.
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