As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, UCLA is bracing for some significant changes in its roster. The Bruins will be parting ways with linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who has declared for the draft. While Schwesinger is the only underclassman making an early exit, he certainly isn’t the only player UCLA will miss. The Bruins are coming off a challenging 5-7 season under new head coach DeShaun Foster, who faced a tough five-game losing streak early on. Despite some improvements towards the end of the season, the team will need to navigate the loss of key players as they look to rebuild.
UCLA’s Draft Prospects: An Overview
The Bruins’ draft situation is a mixed bag. On one hand, they have Schwesinger, whose impressive performance in the past season has garnered attention. On the other hand, they face the potential loss of senior linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo, who has also been a significant contributor to the defense. So, what do these players bring to the table, and how might they fare in the upcoming draft?
Early Entry: LB Carson Schwesinger
Carson Schwesinger’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Initially an under-the-radar prospect, he had limited playing time during his first two seasons at UCLA, recording just 27 tackles and three tackles for loss. However, the 2024 season marked a dramatic turnaround for him. Schwesinger exploded onto the scene with a staggering 136 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and four sacks. He also showcased his versatility with two interceptions and a forced fumble.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Schwesinger is a solid prospect for the NFL, particularly at the inside linebacker position. His performance has led to varying projections in mock drafts, with some analysts placing him in the first round, while others see him going in the fourth or fifth round. The consensus seems to lean towards a third-round selection, highlighting his strong football instincts, even if his physical attributes aren’t off-the-charts.
Senior Entry: LB Oluwafemi Oladejo
On the senior front, Oluwafemi Oladejo presents an intriguing case. A three-star recruit from California, Oladejo has had a unique journey, spending two seasons with the California Golden Bears before transferring to UCLA. During his time at Cal in 2022, he made a name for himself with 91 tackles and five tackles for loss. However, his 2024 season with the Bruins saw a decline in overall tackles, finishing with 57. Nevertheless, he made a notable impact with 14 tackles for loss and a team-high five sacks.
Oladejo’s potential at the next level remains uncertain. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he is still viewed as a raw prospect rather than a finished product. Projections for him vary widely, with some analysts suggesting he could go as high as the fourth round, while others believe he may go undrafted. A reasonable expectation entering the combine would be a fifth-round selection, but he will need to demonstrate his skills to secure a solid NFL opportunity.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of These Losses
The losses of Schwesinger and Oladejo will undoubtedly leave a mark on UCLA’s defense. Schwesinger’s explosive playmaking ability and Oladejo’s edge-rushing prowess are qualities that will be hard to replace. As the Bruins look to rebuild under Coach Foster, they will need to identify new talent to fill these gaps.
The 2025 NFL Draft could serve as a pivotal moment for UCLA. With the right strategy and scouting, the Bruins could find players who can step up and fill the void left by these departing stars. The coaching staff will need to focus on developing young talent and possibly bringing in transfers to bolster the roster.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
As fans, what do you think about UCLA’s two defensive losses? Are you optimistic about the future of the program, or do you feel the absence of these players will hinder the team’s progress? The upcoming draft will be a critical juncture for the Bruins, and the decisions made in the coming months could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.
In the world of college football, change is a constant. Programs rise and fall, players come and go, and the landscape shifts with each passing season. For UCLA, the 2025 NFL Draft represents not just a loss, but an opportunity for renewal and growth. As the Bruins look to the future, they will need to harness the lessons learned from this past season and channel that energy into building a stronger, more competitive team.
The excitement surrounding college football is palpable, and as the draft approaches, all eyes will be on UCLA to see how they navigate these changes. The Bruins have the potential to bounce back, and with the right moves, they could emerge stronger than ever. What are your thoughts on UCLA’s draft prospects and the future of the program? Share your insights in the comments below!
