Bradyn Swinson, the Patriots’ defensive end, showed up to camp 15 pounds lighter, and he is ready to prove his rookie year was just a blip. This isn’t just a physical change, it is a full-on mindset shift driven by conversations with Head Coach Mike Vrabel and team nutritionist Ted Harper after a bumpy Year 1. Swinson himself admitted he didn’t take things seriously enough as a rookie, getting cut from training camp, signing to the practice squad, and then only playing in three games with 27 defensive snaps before sitting out the playoffs. Talk about a wake-up call!
From Fast Food to Fuel: Swinson’s Offseason Grind
Swinson attacked this offseason with one goal: make a huge Year 2 jump. And that started in the kitchen. He lost a ton of weight by cutting out all the junk food , seriously, no more Fruit Roll-Ups or Gushers for this guy! Swinson instead went all-in on a healthier diet, packing in more vegetables and even surprising himself by eating plantains, something he joked he never thought he would touch. But hey, as he said, “You got to sacrifice if you want to be great in this league,” and he has done just that. Dropping from around 270 pounds as a rookie to 255 pounds at camp, he is feeling the difference.
Strength, Speed, and a Clear Shot at the Spotlight
Now, the 24-year-old is walking around saying he is “a lot stronger” and actually likes “looking in the mirror now” because he has “a couple of abs right there.” That’s the confidence boost you love to see! He feels better about his “overall speed of the game,” his understanding of the game, and the “overall power” he has now. We are still in the early days, with no pads on, but Swinson is itching for that moment. This kid, who put up 60 pressures and 8.5 sacks in his final LSU season, always had the talent. Now, with the Patriots’ edge group looking for someone to step up alongside veteran Dre’Mont Jones, the opportunity is wide open. Swinson has already earned praise from the coaching staff this offseason, and he knows exactly what’s at stake.
“Being ready for when the opportunity arises,” Swinson said. “Just always being prepared. It doesn’t matter who’s there, and who’s not. It’s more about what you’re going to do.” He is locked in, focused on what he needs to do with a “great group of guys” and plenty of hunger. Keep an eye on Swinson; he is absolutely one to watch as the Patriots get deeper into camp.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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