Is Swinson an under-the-radar answer for the Giants?
The New York Giants spent the first half of 2025 among the sack leaders of the NFL, but at the same time they fielded one of the league’s worst run defenses.
That improved considerably in the second half of the season, but it was still a lingering issue. The team could also have depth concerns along the defensive front with Azeez Ojulari entering unrestricted free agency.
LSU edge defender (and Oregon transfer) Bradyn Swinson isn’t a household name, however he could prove to be a great value add for a team like the Giants.
Prospect: Bradyn Swinson (4)
Games Watched: vs. USC (2024), vs. Ole Miss (2024), vs. Texas A&M (2024), vs. Alabama (2024)
Red Flags: none
Measurables
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 260 pounds
Strengths
Best traits
- Size and length
- Play strength
- Competitive toughness
- Burst
- Tackling
Bradyn Swinson is a big, long edge defender with great play strength and a very versatile build. Swinson is listed at 6-foot-4 and roughly 260 pounds, and looks every inch of it – if not more.
Strength is the strength of Swinson’s game, and the foundation of almost everything he looks to do as a defender. He uses a bull-rush as his go-to pass rush move, making full use of his power to drive blockers into the backfield. Swinson has heavy, violent hands and understands how to use his hands and leverage to get under blockers’ pads and put them on skates. He generally uses a two-hand swipe or a forklift move as the counter for his bull rush, pairing power with more power.
He does a great job of using his length to extend and keep blockers from locking him up. Likewise, he understands the importance of inside leverage and uses his length and strength to win inside leverage and control offensive blockers. That makes him a good run defender as well as an effective pass rusher. Swinson is able to establish a firm edge on his side of the field, and then discard blockers to make a play on the ball. He’s also a patient and disciplined run defender who rarely bites on fakes or over-commits.
Swinson is a very good tackler, who not only arrives with authority, but consistently wraps up to get the ball carrier on the ground. He rarely allows yards after contact and is usually in good position to make tackles in space. On that note, Swinson is surprisingly comfortable when dropping into shallow coverage zones and understands how to use his size to clog passing lanes.
Finally, he has great competitive toughness throughout his game. Not only is Swinson a willing hitter who never shies away from taking on offensive linemen, but he plays with great hustle. He never gives up on a play, nor does he give less than full effort in pursuit.
Weaknesses
Worst traits
- Ankle flexibility
- Speed rush
Swinson’s most glaring weakness stems from some stiffness in his lower body and ankles in particular.
Swinson is able to lower his hips and play with good pad level, however he’s a relatively linear athlete when rushing the passer. He lacks the ankle flexibility to keep his cleats planted in the turf while turning a tight corner. That lack of bend either forces him to slow his rushes or lose his balance as he tries to carry speed around the edge.
He also lacks a true speed counter for his usual power rushes. Swinson has heavy, violent hands, but little ability to win with finesse when blockers are prepared for his power.
Swinson can also be a bit slow off the snap at times. That doesn’t seem to be an issue with explosiveness or quick-twitch athleticism so much as consistently timing the snap.
Game Tape
(Swinson is the LSU EDGE wearing number 4 and long white sleeves)
Projection
Bradyn Swinson projects as a rotational edge defender at the NFL level. That said, he could easily see his role expand to starter (or near starter) reps in the right system.
Swinson lacks the pure explosive speed and bend off the edge to be a consistently threatening pass rusher. However, his play strength, technique, and competitive toughness should at least make him a consistent factor in the pass game. And unlike speedy pass rush specialists, Swinson won’t need to come off the field in short yardage situations. In fact, he may be considered more of a run defending edge to start his career.
Swinson should be able to find a role in a wide variety of systems. He has a versatile build and a skill set most teams can use, and should be able to find the field on defense for both even and odd fronts. Swinson might be a Day 2 value, but he’ll likely create fans among coaches early on.
Does he fit the Giants?
Yes
Final Word: A Day 2 value
