With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, scouting reports are starting to come to light, offering insights on promising players who are shaping their futures. Two standout prospects are UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Marshall defensive end Mike Green. Both have intriguing stories and skill sets, making them exciting figures to watch as the draft approaches.
UCLA's Carson Schwesinger
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Carson Schwesinger began his college career as an unranked recruit at UCLA. Early on, he seldom saw the field, totaling just 27 tackles over his first three seasons. Everything changed during his redshirt junior year when he was named captain and emerged as one of the team's key players. Schwesinger started 10 of 12 games, finishing the season with impressive statistics: 136 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. His performance not only solidified his role but also showcased his development as a self-made linebacker.
Schwesinger’s strengths lie primarily in his athleticism and motor. He exhibits excellent sideline-to-sideline range, proving himself to be effective both against the run and in zone coverage. His ability to keep his shoulders square when facing blockers is impressive, highlighting his determination to do the dirty work. With quick feet and fluid hips, he shows capability when dropping back to cover tight ends and running backs downfield. Schwesinger’s tenacity allows him to blitz effectively, often creating pressure when lanes are schemed for him.
Despite these strengths, questions remain about his overall size and instincts. At times, he has relied too much on athleticism rather than developing his instincts on the field. His eagerness can lead to unnecessary missteps, as he occasionally overcommits or reacts instead of anticipating plays. With a need for continued refinement, Schwesinger is projected to be drafted in the third round.
Marshall's Mike Green
Another player drawing attention is Mike Green, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 248 pounds. Green’s football path took him from the University of Virginia, where he saw minimal action, to Marshall, where he flourished as one of the nation’s premier EDGE rushers. His transition was highlighted by demonstrating versatility on the field, effectively rotating between various positions on the defensive line. Last season, Green recorded 84 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 17 sacks, earning him the top spot nationally for sack totals.
Green's playing style is aggressive and physical. He embraces contact and relishes the opportunity to take on blockers. His ability to shed blocks with violence demonstrates not only strength but also impressive explosiveness off the snap. With good lateral quickness and awareness, he frequently found himself making plays behind the line. The balance he strikes between technique and raw talent allows him to finish plays strongly, as evidenced by his ability to force turnovers.
Yet, his one-year success raises concerns about consistency and awareness. Despite adding bulk during his collegiate career, Green has occasionally measured below his official weight, prompting worries about his ability to match up against NFL-caliber blocks. Further, improving his gap discipline during run plays could be beneficial, as he has been known to over-pursue occasionally. He remains largely untested when it came to dropping back to coverage, which could hinder his transition to the NFL. Nevertheless, his extraordinary knack for pressure and finishing ability positions him well for entry, likely as a second-round pick.
This early analysis underlines the growing interest surrounding Schwesinger and Green as they prepare to enter the professional ranks. The scouting reports not only highlight their abilities but also showcase their determination to develop and succeed at the next level. With each player displaying both promise and challenges, teams will need to evaluate how best these athletes can contribute based on their individual strengths.
Both players are setting high expectations for themselves as they navigate the pre-draft process. Fans and scouts alike will undoubtedly be watching closely as these future stars prepare for the NFL Combine, which is set to begin later this month.
Keep following along for more updates on scouting reports and draft news as we approach the much-anticipated 2025 NFL Draft.