Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs out of bounds against UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Each year, a few draft prospects outside the top tier wind up making waves and having a larger impact than anticipated.
Before reaching for the hindsight goggles, we’ve identified three defensive prospects you’ll wish your team drafted by this time next year.
OLB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
We oblige he’s more of an athlete than football player at this juncture, but built like an old-school middle linebacker, Campbell moves more like a safety and could be a dynamic utility tool for a wise defensive coordinator.
The sum of parts is unbelievable potential. Down-to-down consistency is going to take more time, but Campbell flashes impressive sideline-to-sideline mobility and man coverage skills with a combination of speed, size and length. Campbell faces teachable moments as he develops and evolves the mental and professional components of his game, but his athletic profile is worth a top-20 selection without a second thought.
ILB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
From walk-on to walking tackle machine, Schwesinger is high in the inside ’backer ratings after an exhibit in perseverance. A first-time starter in 2024, he ascended rapidly in a regular role. After mainly playing special teams in his first two seasons, Schwesinger took over a starting middle linebacker spot and led the Bruins in tackles in 10 games. By the end of the season, he was the top tackler among all Power Four defenders in total tackles (136) with 90 solo stops.
A rangy coverage linebacker with impressive athletic traits going sideline to sideline, Schwesinger has some comparison in play style to Lions linebacker Jack Campbell.
CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Amos is a top competitor, and his ball skills are top-notch. Not only is Amos fast enough to keep pace with receivers in order to be in position to make plays, he also has strong instincts and timing that allow him to get his hands on the ball. His fluid hips also contribute to his ballhawk reputation, as he is able to turn much faster than the average cornerback and gain immediate leverage to get a deflection.
He’s put some good press reps and good physicality on film. He’s not afraid to give a receiver a quick jam and make sure he maintains a physical presence near the receiver, but he’s not so handsy that he draws consistent pass interference calls.
