The NFL Combine is underway as the defensive linemen and linebackers are the first to take the field in Indianapolis on Thursday. on Wednesday, defensive linemen took to the podium fielding questions from the media ahead of their workouts. LSU Edge Rusher Bradyn Swinson is looking to have a solid showing to push himself up draft boards.
While on the podium, Swinson was asked about his past rather than his future as he was asked who's next up in Baton Rouge. Swinson went on to give a ton of praise to Gabe Reliford who is coming off of an impressive freshman season.
"Gabe Reliford. I've got real big hopes for Gabe, Gabe's a real hard working guy, he comes into work everyday trying to get his work done. Gabe's competitive too even when I was there he was trying to compete with me. When you're a Senior and you've got a Freshman coming in there trying to make you start working hard it gets tough. Gabe is up next."Bradyn Swinson
Bradyn Swinson, EDGE LSU talking thru adjusting to new schemes & playmakers around him.
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) February 26, 2025
Talked up Gabe Reliford as the next man up at LSU. Pumped to talk Whit Weeks’ leadership.
He’s met with Packers & Cardinals formally and loved how both broke down his strengths and fit. pic.twitter.com/wFMdRr2E98
LSU fans have a ton to be excited about in Gabe Reliford who was able to find playing time as a Freshman in a crowded defensive line room. When you have a player pushing that hard to get on the field and bringing that level of compete on a daily basis, that's the kind of player that pans out more times than not.
This offseason, LSU brought in three transfer edge rushers in veterans Patrick Payton, Jack Pyburn, and Jimari Butler to fill the void of Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones leaving. If Swinson's interview tells you anything its that Reliford in no way will make it easy for any of the transfers to beat him out for a starting role in LSU's defense.
Given the fact that Reliford has already seen a chunk of playing time and will now have a full offseason in LSU's program, he's primed to breakout this season. Don't be shocked if Gabe Reliford beats out the loaded transfer class for playing time, he's simply that talented.