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Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.
Schwesinger won the award over 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 finished with 40 of 50 first-place votes, edging out Emmanwori, who came in second 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)
Schwesinger was the favorite coming into the night after a tremendous year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense despite what the record may say in 2025.
He’s also just the fifth non-first-round pick to win the award in the last 40 seasons.
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The second-round pick out of UCLA led all rookies with 146 combined tackles, putting him in the top five all-time for tackles in a rookie season.
Schwesinger also tallied two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss and three passes defensed.
Jonnu Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches 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 also battled an ankle injury this season, playing 16 of 17 games for Kevin Stefanski’s club. He had 2.5 sacks and also nine quarterback hits, showing his ability to get to the quarterback.
Speaking of the coaching staff, the team gave Schwesinger the “green dot” on his helmet, meaning he was calling the defense in the Cleveland huddle all season as a rookie.
While first-rounders get the attention, it’s the players after the first day of the NFL Draft that complete a team.
Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns performs before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
The Browns clearly got their second round pick right last year, as Schwesinger proved to be a key piece and now has the hardware to prove it.
