Browns Linebacker Carson Schwesinger Named Defensive Rookie of the Year

Schwesinger led all NFL rookies in total tackles and tackles for loss in 2025 season.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year. Schwesinger received 40 of the 50 first-place votes, beating out several other top rookie defenders. He played a key role in the success of the Cleveland defense, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss while also recording 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defended.

Why it matters

Schwesinger's award marks the first time a Browns player has won Defensive Rookie of the Year since 1982, highlighting the team's defensive resurgence and the emergence of a potential star linebacker. As a second-round pick, Schwesinger's success also demonstrates the ability of teams to find elite defensive talent outside of the first round of the NFL Draft.

The details

A second-round pick out of college, Schwesinger finished the 2025 season with a team-high 146 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions and 3 passes defensed. He led all NFL rookies in total tackles and tackles for loss, and was tied for second among first-year players in interceptions. Schwesinger recorded double-digit tackles in 7 games, including a stretch of 6 consecutive games - the longest such streak in the league this past season.

  • Schwesinger was announced as the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on February 6, 2026.

The players

Carson Schwesinger

A second-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, Schwesinger emerged as a standout rookie linebacker in 2025, leading the team in tackles and tackles for loss while also making key plays in pass coverage.

Nick Emmanwori

A defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks, Emmanwori finished second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting with 199 points and 7 first-place votes.

James Pearce Jr.

A defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons, Pearce Jr. placed third in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting with 173 points and 2 first-place votes.

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What’s next

Schwesinger will look to build on his impressive rookie campaign and continue to be a key part of the Browns' defensive unit in the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Schwesinger's Defensive Rookie of the Year award highlights the Browns' ability to find elite defensive talent outside of the first round of the NFL Draft, as well as the team's defensive resurgence led by this promising young linebacker.