We look at the New England Patriots second of promising fifth round pick Bradyn Swinson, who they brought into the fold during the most recent NFL Draft. The young pass rusher will be 23 on the Fourth of July. Along with his unique football background, playing at both Oregon and LSU. Whatever the circumstances, Swinson’s path is a testament to his perseverance and development. He would be instant starter and playmaker for the Patriots as they continue to add talent to their defense with new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Swinson is a native of Douglasville, Georgia, and started his college career at the University of Oregon. Over his three seasons with the Ducks, he appeared in 30 games. In just his one start, he accumulated 35 tackles and three sacks. His time at Oregon truly sharpened his skills. To Zito, making the decision to transfer to LSU was the pivotal moment which ultimately shaped his career.
At LSU, Swinson’s impact quickly became evident. In his first season with the Tigers, he played in all 12 games, recording another 35 tackles and two sacks. It was his breakout 2024 season where he really dazzled. He’s duplicating that production on film, as he had his most remarkable game against South Carolina, registering three sacks and eight pressures on 56 snaps. This performance placed him among an elite group of just three FBS players to achieve such numbers in a single game last season.
Nonetheless, despite this success, things weren’t going all that well for Swinson in the run up to the draft. His assets might have plummeted due to his spotty showing in predraft workouts. On top of that, he didn’t play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, which certainly didn’t do him any favors. Make no mistake, his potential is through the roof. He refers to himself as a “steal,” revealing both his supreme confidence in his skills and how he will thrive in the Patriots’ system.
Swinson has a good rapport with fellow LSU alum Will Campbell. Given that Campbell was taken in the first round, their chemistry should do wonders for Swinson’s NFL transition. Their two years together at LSU forged an incredibly strong bond. This bond will prove valuable for both players as they make the jump to professional football.
When Swinson took the field the opening game of the 2024 season, tragedy struck. He found out his grandmother Dawna Lynn David had died at halftime. But instead of allowing this tough time to derail his performance, it only highlighted his drive and passion for the game.
Blake Baker, Swinson’s defensive coordinator at LSU, lauded Swinson’s high level of football IQ. He praised Swinson’s ability to identify the right times to take off in pursuit of the passer.
“He has a really good football IQ. I think he understands when to rush the passer, whether that be from down-and-distance or clues from the offensive tackle,” – Blake Baker
Baker went on to praise Swinson’s skillset and her diverse in her pass-rushing repertoire.
“Then I think he does a really good job of setting up his rushes. Like a pitcher, he has a fastball, but he knows when to throw the curve and the changeup, too,” – Blake Baker
As Swinson makes the jump to the NFL, he has to learn to do that at a hard, high professional level. Simultaneously, he’ll continue to develop the skills he sharpened in college. On the practice field, hold each other accountable. On the Patriots’ roster, veteran Deatrich Wise Jr. likes to think it serves an integral purpose in driving success on game day.
“One of the things Bill always said was ‘practice execution becomes game reality.’ That’s one thing I’ve always taken to heart,” – Deatrich Wise Jr.
As the Patriots continue to revamp their defensive line, Swinson’s all-around abilities should be invaluable in their efforts to build a winning franchise. He can continue to learn from premium, proven players such as Wise and Lawrence Guy. This will significantly accelerate his development, allowing him to better fit into the team’s tactics sooner.
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