BS #43

Bradyn Swinson

Linebacker · LSU

A four-year starter split between Oregon and LSU, Swinson brings a rangy edge-rushing frame the Patriots developed slowly through his practice squad.

Bradyn Swinson's college career took him from Eugene to Baton Rouge, where a strong senior season at LSU turned him into a mid-round NFL draft prospect. The Patriots took a flier on him in the fifth round in 2025, and after an up-and-down rookie transition, he worked his way onto the active roster by midseason.

★ Second-team All-SEC selection in 2024

★ 8.5 sacks in his lone full season at LSU, seventh-most in the SEC

★ 13.5 career sacks across Oregon and LSU

Path to the league

Swinson began his career at Oregon in 2020, developing into a rotational pass rusher who earned Pac-12 defensive lineman of the week honors as a sophomore. He transferred to LSU for his final two seasons, where he posted 6.5 tackles for loss as a first-year Tiger before breaking out in 2024 with 8.5 sacks, good for seventh in the SEC, and second-team All-SEC recognition.

Career highlights

Across his four collegiate seasons at Oregon and LSU, Swinson totaled 13.5 sacks and 128 tackles in 54 games. His senior surge at LSU, punctuated by an aggressive, high-motor pass-rush style, made him a fifth-round pick, taken 146th overall by New England in the 2025 NFL Draft.

2025 season recap

Swinson was released during Patriots roster cuts in late August 2025 but was retained on the practice squad, where he continued to develop. New England promoted him to the active roster in mid-November 2025, giving the rookie a chance to contribute down the stretch of his first pro season.