NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Cleveland Browns rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.
Schwesinger won the award over New York Giants’ Abdul Carter, Seattle Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori and Atlanta Falcons’ Xavier Watts and James Pearce Jr.
Schwesinger finished with 40 out of 50 first-place votes, beating out Emmanwori, who came in second with 199 total points and seven first-place votes.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
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 entering the night after a stellar year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense despite what the record may say in 2025.
He is also just the fifth non-first round pick to win the award in the last 40 seasons.
MIKE VRABEL WINS COACH OF THE YEAR AFTER HISTORIC PATRIOTS’ TURNAROUND BEFORE SUPER BOWL LX
The second-round pick out of UCLA led all rookies with 146 combined tackles, which has him in the top five all-time for tackles in a rookie season.
Schwesinger also recorded 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 in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Diamond Images)
Schwesinger also battled through an ankle injury this season, playing 16 of 17 games for Kevin Stefanski’s club. He also tallied 2.5 sacks and 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 called the defense in a pinch for Cleveland all season as a rookie.
While first-rounders get the spotlight, it’s players after day one of the NFL Draft that make a team whole.
Carson Schwesinger of the Cleveland Browns is introduced prior to 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-rounder right last year when Schwesinger proved to be a cornerstone, and he has the hardware to prove it now.
