With starting linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo departing in free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders now have gaps to fill at both middle and outside linebacker. Despite bringing in veterans Elandon Roberts and Devin White, the Silver & Black should still explore linebacker prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
One intriguing option is UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger, a versatile defender capable of playing as the signal-calling middle linebacker or shifting outside. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound California native had an impressive final season with the Bruins in 2024, recording a career-best 136 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
How He Fits
Following the departures of Spillane and Deablo, Las Vegas signed Roberts and White, who are 30 and 27 years old, respectively. Adding a younger talent like Schwesinger would bring much-needed depth to the linebacker group.
Raiders head coach Pete Carroll values versatility, and Schwesinger demonstrated his adaptability at UCLA. From excelling on special teams to becoming a starting linebacker, he has the ability to line up in the middle or at the Will position. While Roberts and White bring veteran experience, the Raiders are expected to hold an open competition for starting roles. Schwesinger’s energy and intelligence could elevate the entire unit.
Beyond his potential as a linebacker, Schwesinger arrives as a high-impact special teams player—an area where the Raiders could use a dynamic presence. His tenacity and leadership on coverage units make him a strong candidate for a captain role.
Strengths
Schwesinger is a disruptive, instinctive tackler who frequently finds himself around the ball. He diagnoses plays quickly, reacts with precision, and excels as both a run defender and blitzer. His ability to shoot gaps and beat blockers allows him to stop ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage.
Though his straight-line speed isn’t elite, his football IQ enables him to play faster than his timed speed suggests. His relentless motor keeps him engaged from snap to snap, allowing him to cover ground sideline to sideline.
In coverage, Schwesinger matches up well against running backs and tight ends, using his awareness and fluid hips to stay with his assignments. Most importantly, he’s a technically sound tackler, making him reliable in open-field situations—an asset that aligns well with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s scheme.
Weaknesses
One of the main concerns surrounding Schwesinger is whether his breakout 2024 season was an outlier. Some scouts worry he may be a one-year wonder rather than a consistent performer.
Physically, he is on the leaner side for an inside linebacker, lacking the bulk of more traditional middle defenders. As a result, he can struggle to shed blocks when engaged with larger linemen.
While he delivers powerful hits, he doesn’t possess the ideal striking force of a prototypical inside linebacker, which could make him a better fit on the outside. Additionally, though he wasn’t frequently fooled by play-action or misdirection in college, the speed and complexity of the NFL could present a new challenge.
His aggressive instincts occasionally work against him, leading to over-pursuits and missed assignments. At the professional level, such mistakes could be costly for a defense.
Projection
Schwesinger’s draft stock ranges from the second to fifth round. Initially projected as a Day 3 pick, his stellar 2024 season has likely elevated him into Day 2 consideration, making him a potential second- or third-round selection.
The Raiders hold the 37th overall pick in the second round, the 68th pick in the third, and the 108th selection in the fourth round. With several higher-ranked linebacker prospects in the class, Schwesinger appears to be a Day 2 candidate.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks ranks him as the fifth-best linebacker in the draft, but there’s still a possibility he could slip into Day 3. If that happens, Las Vegas would be wise to capitalize on the opportunity to draft the talented UCLA standout.
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