Browns’ Carson Schwesinger named 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
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Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been named Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.
Schwesinger won the award behind Abdul Carter of the New York Giants, Nick Emmanwori of the Seattle Seahawks and Xavier Watts and James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons.
Schwesinger received 40 of 50 first-place votes, edging out runner-up Emmanwori with 199 total points and seven first-place votes.
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Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns celebrates the team’s 13-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
Despite the record in 2025, Schwesinger was the favorite on the night after his tremendous year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense.
He also became the fifth seed not in the first round to win this award in the last 40 seasons.
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The second-round pick out of UCLA led all rookies with 146 combined tackles, which ranked him in the top five all-time in a rookie season.
Schwesinger also recorded two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss and three passes defensed.
Jonnu Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass against Carson Schwesinger #49 of the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
Schwesinger has also suffered an ankle injury this season and has played in 16 of 17 matches for Kevin Stefanski’s club. He also showcased his ability to get to the quarterback, tallying 2.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits.
Speaking of coaching staff, the team gave Schwesinger a “green dot” on his helmet, meaning he was calling defense for Cleveland all season long as a rookie.
While the players in the first round stand out, it is the players who make the team whole after the first day of the NFL Draft.
Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns is introduced before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
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The Browns clearly got it right in the second round last year, as Schwesinger proved to be a cornerstone and now has the equipment to prove it.
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