Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Lacks ideal play strength at point of attack, can be engulfed by offensive linemen at times
• Medical red flags due to significant shoulder injury, durability concerns moving forward
• Limited effectiveness as a blitzer, struggles to consistently generate pressure when sent
• Can be overaggressive in pursuit, occasionally overrunning plays or biting on misdirection
• Zone coverage awareness needs refinement, particularly in recognizing route combinations

Scouting Report: Summary

A high-motor linebacker with three-down potential, Bywater brings versatility and special teams value to an NFL roster. His instincts and range shine in run defense, where he consistently makes plays from sideline to sideline. In coverage, Bywater displays the fluidity to match up with tight ends and running backs, though his zone skills need polishing.

Bywater's ability to diagnose plays quickly and his positional flexibility will appeal to defensive coordinators. He can align at multiple linebacker spots and even slide into the slot in sub-packages. However, questions remain about his ability to consistently defeat blocks from NFL-caliber linemen, and his limited pass-rush production may restrict his scheme fit.

While Bywater possesses the tools to contribute immediately on special teams, his path to defensive snaps will hinge on proving he can hold up physically at the next level. Teams will need to thoroughly vet his medical history and project his ability to add functional strength. If he checks those boxes, Bywater could develop into a reliable weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or inside linebacker in a 3-4, with the versatility to stay on the field in nickel packages.