Cleveland drafted Schwesinger with the 33rd overall pick – the first pick of the second round.
Schwesinger played an integral role in the success of the Browns’ defense during his rookie season. He wore the green dot for the Browns, acting as the signal caller for the defense. His standout performance during training camp earned him the opportunity to wear the green dot, and Schwesinger demonstrated continued command of the defense with his ownership of the responsibility.
“You just talk about a young man that just came in here and grabbed the reins,” safeties coach Ephraim Banda said in December 2025. “And is not shy and has earned the respect of the room, all rooms in that building. He’s done a hell of a job. He’s playing it at an all-pro level. And personnel did a great job of identifying that player and knowing that’s the human and type of person we need, not only just the player, (but also) of putting him in this situation.”
From Week 1 of the season, Schwesinger showcased his positive impact on the defense. He recorded his first career sack in Week 3 against the Packers and his first career interception in Week 8 against the Patriots. Schwesinger finished the 2025 season with a team-high146 tackles and added 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions and three passes defensed.
Schwesinger led all rookies this season with his 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, and was tied for second with two interceptions. He recorded double-digit tackles in seven games during the 2025 season, including a stretch of six consecutive games – the longest streak in the NFL this season. His seven double-digit tackle games were also the most among NFL rookies.
His 146 tackles are the most by a Browns rookie since the team’s return in 1999, while his two interceptions are the most by a Browns rookie since CB Denzel Ward recorded three in 2018.
Over the course of his rookie season, Tarver noted how Schwesinger consistently stayed the same person each day. That trait suited his personality on and off the field, allowing him to build on each week and separate himself as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
“Carson is intelligent, curious, focused and physical,” Tarver said. “Doesn’t let anything get in his way. Prepares his body, prepares his mind to be the best every day. And as you look at the end of the year, that’s what he did. He just kept going and producing the number of double-digit tackle games, they occurred in the middle after dealing with things and dealing with everything, because he kept just getting better and better. So, the end of the years is a tribute to work. And it’s a tribute to him and his mindset and everything that he does, because it’s all about football and it’s all about making plays with and for his teammates.”
