Entering the 2025 NFL draft, the UCLA Bruins had five football players with the potential to become pro — all of whom ended up hearing their names called. Let’s dive in to the UCLA players who not only saw their names called on draft day, but will be furthering their professional career in the NFL.
UCLA Bruins Football Finds Success Through NFL Draft
Carson Schwesinger, LB – Cleveland Browns
With no draftees on Day 1, the second round kicked off on Friday with the Cleveland Browns selecting UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger at No. 33 overall.
Schwesinger was the third linebacker selected in this year’s draft and was ESPN’s No. 2 rated LB (53rd overall). The standout Bruin will head from the sunny skies of Southern California to the colder Midwest. Nonetheless, the Browns will have a reliable, competitive player in its front seven for years.
“You talk about a guy who was a walk-on — and not only a walk-on, but really a one-year starter. Started three games into the season and just took off,” Assistant General Manager Glenn Cook said regarding Schwesinger. “And is extremely productive, extremely smart, very versatile, kind of fits exactly the identity we want on defense.”
Despite having the chance to trade down, the Browns decided to keep pick No. 33 and added Schwesinger in hopes of aiding a defense that ranked in the bottom half of the league in 2024.
The former walk-on is entering the league after a breakout junior season. Schwesinger led the country with 90 solo tackles and tacked on a team-high 46 assisted tackles. The California native is undoubtedly a tackling machine, but his ability to make plays in the opponent’s backfield separates the Browns’ new linebacker from his peers.
Alongside a 136-tackle season, Schwesinger registered four sacks, nine tackles for loss and forced three turnovers. The Westwood star was awarded with first-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big Ten for his nation-leading performance last season.
What Are The Expectations For Schwesinger?
Matt Miller of ESPN compared the second-round pick to Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard — an underrated enforcer with a knack for always being around the ball and forcing havoc. The comparison is on par with Schwesinger’s style of play, but the former Bruin could emerge as Cleveland’s next star if he continues his trajectory.
The UCLA product can become the full-time starter and command the box behind former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Miles Garrett. Carson manages the middle of the field well and has natural instincts that gravitate him towards the ball. He has unique finesse to get around blocks and has elite sideline-to-sideline speed. His 6-foot-3-inch frame also allows him to bring a physical presence in both the run and pass game.
Schwesinger is loaded with talent and will have the opportunity to showcase it during the Brown’s OTAs as well as in their preseason games.
Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE – Tennessee Titans
Nineteen picks after Schwesinger becomes the first Bruin selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, defensive teammate Oluwafemi Oladejo shortly follows at pick No. 52 to the Tennessee Titans.
After selecting in what they hope to be their franchise QB Cam Ward No. 1 overall, the Titans shifted their focus to defense immediately with their second pick, selecting UCLA’s Oladejo in the second round to aid a defensive line that ranked 24th in sack percentage and 25th in pressure percentage in 2024.
The 21-year-old started all 12 games for the Bruins last season and posted 57 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in what would be his final collegiate campaign.
The former Cal Bear and Bruin spent majority of his college days roaming as a linebacker before finding success off the edge in 2024. Oladejo will enter Tennessee commanding pressure as an edge rusher for the Titans, but his athletic ability will also allow him to play off the ball for defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Will Oladejo Succeed As An Edge Rusher?
“The move to edge was one that was for the team, and I believe my potential is still very high,” Oladejo said on a call with Nashville media. “[I] want to come in and help the team immediately, whether it’s through special teams, a rotational player, and just being a guy who can produce and help the team win.”
It’s safe to say that Oladejo should not struggle to find his role with the Titans — especially with his versatility. The six-foot-three-inch rusher has untapped potential at his new position and it’ll be up to the Titans development team to fully unleash it.
Even with a late transition to the edge, Oladejo’s speed, explosiveness, hands and sure-handed tackling have been key to his development on the D-line. However, the NFL demands excellence, so it might take the rookie a few extra reps to master the technique and skill to be a Pro Bowl defender like lifelong Titan Jeffery Simmons.
Some might believe that Oladejo might not be suited for the edge, but Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi isn’t one of those individuals.
“[Oladejo] is developing as a pass rusher, so I think he has a lot of upside there as well,” Borgonzi said. “But I tell you what, he can set the edge, is physical, is violent and the kid loves football, too – that was a big part of it.”
Whether Oladejo finds continued success on the line — despite his late transition — or shifts back to linebacker, his natural talent and motor will contribute to his playing time. Additionally, if his development in the offseason progresses well, he can be the early steal of the draft.
The Browns OTAs will begin May 27, marking the start of Oladejo’s professional career in the NFL.
Additional UCLA Bruins Draftees
Though UCLA’s draft experience was highlighted with two second-round selections, three additional Bruins found themselves a new home 0n Day 3.
Linebacker Kain Medrano is heading to the nation’s capital after the Washington Commanders selected the 24-year-old stud with the No. 205 pick.
And finally, the seventh round was when DT Jay Toia (No. 217, Dallas Cowboys) and TE Moliki Matavao (No. 248, New Orleans Saints) became the 339th and 340th UCLA Bruins to ever be selected in the NFL draft.
The five Westwood selections were the most the program has had since 2022.
Undrafted (UDFA) Bruins
- Ethan Garbers, QB – Carolina Panthers
Discover more from The League Winners
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Eric Hayrapetian
Eric is a lifelong Angeleno and a sports journalist who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined The League Winners in January of 2025, and is the lead beat writer for the UCLA Bruins. Follow Eric on X (formerly known as Twitter) @EricHayrapetian.