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Source: Cleveland Browns
Summary
Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season. He won the award with 40 of 50 first-place votes, beating out Seattle Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori. Schwesinger finished the season with 146 combined tackles, two interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, and three passes defended. He also battled through an ankle injury and was given the “green dot” on his helmet, allowing him to call the defense in the huddle. Schwesinger is the fifth non-first-round pick to win the award in the last 40 seasons.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Schwesinger’s season was marked by slow starts and late pushes, and he finished strong despite the record.
He’s just the fifth non-first-round pick to win the award in the last 40 seasons, proving that it’s the players after day one of the NFL Draft that make a team whole.
And despite the ankle injury, he played in 16 of 17 games, showcasing his toughness and ability to get to the quarterback.
This one felt recognizable early, as Schwesinger’s impact on the defense was evident from the start, and his hardware now proves it.
Original Observation: The Browns clearly got their second-rounder right this past year, as Schwesinger proved to be a cornerstone piece, and he has the hardware to prove it now.
Author: Evan Null
