Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger Named Defensive Rookie of the Year
Cleveland, Ohio – Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, has been awarded the Defensive Rookie of the Year title for the 2025 National Football League (NFL) season. The announcement was met with excitement from Browns fans and analysts alike, recognizing Schwesinger’s outstanding performance throughout the year.
Schwesinger, a second-round draft pick, faced tough competition for the award. Other strong contenders included Abdul Carter of the New York Giants, Nick Emmanwori from the Seattle Seahawks, and Xavier Watts and James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons.
In the final voting, Schwesinger received significant support, securing 40 out of 50 first-place votes. Emmanwori finished second with 199 total points and seven first-place votes.
Schwesinger entered the awards season as a favorite, thanks to his impressive play as a middle linebacker on the Browns’ defense. Despite the team’s overall record in 2025, Schwesinger’s individual contributions stood out. Notably, he is only the fifth player drafted outside of the first round to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in the past 40 seasons, highlighting the significance of his achievement.
During his rookie season, Schwesinger led all rookies with a total of 146 tackles, placing him among the top five for most tackles in a rookie season in NFL history. Additionally, he recorded two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, and defended three passes, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the field.
Despite battling an ankle injury, Schwesinger played in 16 of the 17 games this season. He also contributed 2.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
The Browns’ coaching staff entrusted Schwesinger with significant responsibility, giving him the “green dot” on his helmet. This meant he was responsible for calling the defensive plays in the huddle, a rare role for a rookie and a testament to his football intelligence and leadership qualities.
Schwesinger’s success story highlights the importance of finding talent beyond the first round of the NFL Draft. While first-round picks often receive the most attention, players selected later in the draft can be crucial to building a successful team.
The Cleveland Browns’ selection of Schwesinger in the second round proved to be a wise decision. He has quickly become a key player on the team, and his Defensive Rookie of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication.
