Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger Named Defensive Rookie of the Year

Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has earned the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season. This recognition is quite an achievement for the young player.

In the final voting, Schwesinger surpassed contenders like Abdul Carter from the New York Giants and Nick Emanwoli from the Seattle Seahawks, among others. He garnered 40 out of the 50 first-place votes, ultimately totaling 199 points, leaving Emanwoli in second place with just seven first-place votes.

It’s interesting to note that, regardless of the Browns’ overall record, Schwesinger was already seen as a strong candidate before this announcement, thanks to his impressive performance as a middle linebacker in a tough Browns defense. What’s more, he became the fifth player who wasn’t selected in the first round to win this award in the last four decades.

Selected in the second round out of UCLA, Schwesinger had a standout rookie season, recording 146 tackles. This achievement placed him among the top five for tackles in NFL history and made him the leading rookie in that category. His stats also include two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, and three passes defended.

Despite struggling with an ankle injury during the season, he managed to play in 16 of 17 games. He also recorded 2.5 sacks and nine hits on quarterbacks, showcasing his versatility on the field.

Adding to his responsibilities, the coaching staff designated Schwesinger with a “green dot” on his helmet, signifying he was calling the defensive plays in the huddle throughout his rookie year. It’s a notable role, especially among first-round picks, who often get the most attention during the NFL Draft.

Clearly, the Browns made a smart choice in picking Schwesinger with their second-round selection last year, as he has already demonstrated his importance to the team’s defensive lineup with this accolade in hand.