UCLA Linebacker Carson Schwesinger – An Option For The Rams?

A Game-Changer for the Defense?

As the NFL offseason ramps up, the Los Angeles Rams are poised to make waves in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. With the No. 26 overall pick in their arsenal, mock drafts and fan speculation alike point to a potential selection that could reshape their defense: UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger. A local product with a meteoric rise from walk-on to All-American, Schwesinger’s addition could address a glaring need at linebacker and elevate the Rams’ aspirations for a Super Bowl run. Let’s dive into why this draft pick makes sense, what Schwesinger brings to the table, and how he fits into the Rams’ long-term vision.

The Rams’ Linebacker Conundrum

The Rams’ defense has undergone a youth movement in recent years, with breakout stars like edge rusher Jared Verse and interior lineman Braden Fiske fortifying the front line in 2024. However, the second level remains a weak spot. The departure of Christian Rozeboom to free agency and the uncertain status of Troy Reeder—who remains unsigned as of mid-March—have left the linebacker corps thin. Omar Speights, an undrafted free agent who emerged in 2024, showed promise, but the unit lacks a definitive leader and playmaker to quarterback the defense.

Head coach Sean McVay and defensive coordinator Chris Shula have leaned on versatility and aggression to mask these deficiencies, but the postseason exposed cracks. In their 2024 divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams surrendered 149 rushing yards and struggled to contain tight ends over the middle—areas where a dynamic linebacker could have made a difference. With roughly $39 million in cap space (per Spotrac estimates pre-free agency) already allocated to moves like re-signing cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and left tackle Alaric Jackson, the draft offers a cost-effective solution to bolster the position.

Carson Schwesinger: From Walk-On to First-Round Prospect

Carson Schwesinger’s journey is the stuff of an NFL Draft legend. A Moorpark, California native and Oaks Christian High School alum, Schwesinger walked on at UCLA in 2021 without a star rating from recruiting services. Initially a special teams contributor, he earned a scholarship before his redshirt freshman year in 2022 and played sparingly on defense over two seasons. Then came 2024: named a team captain, Schwesinger exploded as a starter, leading the FBS with 90 solo tackles, totaling 136 tackles (11.3 per game), and adding 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and a blocked punt in 12 games.

His accolades piled up—First-Team All-American (AP), First-Team All-Big Ten, and a Butkus Award finalist—cementing his status as a top linebacker prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds (with some reports suggesting he bulked up to 242 at the Combine), Schwesinger combines athleticism, instincts, and a relentless motor. His breakout season ended with a declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft, bypassing his final year of eligibility, and accepting a Senior Bowl invite (though he later withdrew, a move that didn’t dent his rising stock).

.@UCLAFootball @C_Schwesinger Schwesinger has the key instinct that every lber needs….He knows how to find the football…quickly. #nfldraft. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/um5izKMCyh

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 19, 2025

What Schwesinger Brings to the Rams

Schwesinger’s scouting report reads like a wish list for the modern NFL linebacker. His strengths—per outlets like NFL Draft Buzz and The 33rd Team—include:

• Athleticism and Range: Schwesinger’s speed and fluidity allow him to cover sideline-to-sideline, chase down ball carriers, and drop into zone coverage with impressive depth. His 4.70-second 40-yard dash projection (pending Pro Day confirmation) underscores his explosiveness.
• Instincts and Football IQ: A “ball magnet,” Schwesinger’s ability to read plays and react instantly stands out. He beats blockers to spots, fits run gaps with precision, and positions teammates as a MIKE linebacker—a potential “green dot” candidate for the Rams.
• Versatility: He’s a three-down threat, excelling against the run, blitzing (four sacks in 2024), and covering tight ends or running backs. His special teams pedigree—highlighted by an 85.8 PFF grade in 2024—adds immediate value.
• Tackling Prowess: With a missed tackle rate below 8%, Schwesinger wraps up reliably and delivers explosive hits, a trait that could shore up the Rams’ run defense (99.3 yards allowed per game in 2024, seventh in the NFL).

He’s not without flaws. His lighter frame can get washed out by bigger blockers, and he needs to develop upper-body strength to shed linemen consistently. Coverage discipline—occasionally biting on play-action or misreading keys—requires refinement. Still, at 23 years old, Schwesinger’s one-year starting experience suggests untapped potential, making him a high-upside pick.

Why the Rams at No. 26?

Mock drafts from The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler and The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs peg Schwesinger to the Rams at No. 26, and the fit is compelling. Without a second-round pick, Los Angeles can’t afford to wait on a position of need, especially in a linebacker class lacking depth. Schwesinger’s local ties—he grew up 40 miles from SoFi Stadium—add a narrative boost, reuniting him with UCLA teammate Quentin Lake and appealing to a fanbase hungry for homegrown talent.

The Rams’ scheme under Shula, a 4-3 base with multiple looks, suits Schwesinger’s skill set. As a WILL or MIKE linebacker, he’d thrive in space, shooting gaps and covering the intermediate zones where the 2024 defense faltered. Pairing him with Speights could create a young, dynamic tandem, while his blitzing ability complements Verse and Fiske up front. Posts on X from @RamsInsideronSI echo this sentiment, noting that Schwesinger “fills a need while plugging in one of the draft’s elite triggermen.”

Critics might argue that No. 26 is a reach—PFF ranks him 54th overall and the fourth linebacker behind Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell—but the Rams’ history of prioritizing fit over consensus (e.g., Jared Verse at No. 19 in 2024) supports the move. If they don’t address linebackers in free agency, Schwesinger becomes a must-target.

The Ripple Effect

Drafting Schwesinger could reshape the Rams’ off-season strategy. Schwesinger frees up later picks (starting at No. 89 in the third round) for offensive depth or a developmental tackle to succeed Rob Havenstein. It also signals confidence in the defense as a cornerstone, leveraging Matthew Stafford’s window while the offense adjusts.

Fan reaction on X is mixed but optimistic. @jaredversefc praised the pick as a “hometown steal,” while @NoFlagsFilm called Schwesinger’s tape “awesome,” citing his “immediate trigger in the run game.” Others question the value, with @MNSToday suggesting a trade-down to snag him in Round 2. Yet, with the linebacker market thinning—names like Dre Greenlaw and Charvarius Ward off the board—the Rams may not risk losing him.

The Verdict: A Bold Step Forward

If the Rams draft Carson Schwesinger at No. 26, they’re betting on a high-floor, high-ceiling talent to anchor their defense for years. His special teams’ impact ensures he contributes on Day 1, while his growth trajectory—mirroring his ascent from walk-on to star—could see him evolve into an every-down force by 2026. For a team that went 10-7 and won the NFC West in 2024, this pick isn’t about rebuilding; it’s about reloading.

The NFC West remains a gauntlet, with the 49ers, Seahawks, and Cardinals all poised to contend in 2025. Schwesinger’s addition could tip the scales, giving the Rams the defensive heartbeat they’ve lacked since Bobby Wagner’s 2022 stint. Come April 25, when the draft kicks off, all eyes will be on Les Snead and McVay. If Schwesinger’s name is called, expect SoFi Stadium to erupt—and the Rams’ Super Bowl odds to climb.

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