Carson Schwesinger has yet to build on his impressive first season, as the Cleveland Browns’ linebacker has been sitting out training camp and the first two preseason games with an ankle injury. Head coach Todd Monken has maintained that the issue is minor and the approach to Schwesinger is precautionary, but fans and teammates alike will breathe a sigh of relief as soon as he gets back on the field.
But his absence has done nothing to diminish his reputation around the NFL. As last season’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, the second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is already among the league’s elite.
Schwesinger recently earned a major nod among the NFL’s top linebackers, with FOX Sports putting him at No. 4 on its Top 10 list.
“The second-year pro quickly established himself as a tackling machine in the middle of the Browns’ defense. Schwesinger’s instincts, range, and awareness as a “see ball, get ball” defender shrink the field for the opponents, leading to fewer explosive plays against the ultra-aggressive unit. With the youngster also controlling the game as the green dot wearer, the Pro Bowler’s intelligence and communication skills set him apart from others at the position,” Brooks wrote.
Schwesinger is behind only Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers at No. 1, Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens at No. 2, and Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions at No. 3. It should be noted that Warner and Smith are each 29 years old, and Campbell is 26, which means the 24-year-old Schwesinger could eventually move to the top of this list if he keeps up his high level of play. No one else on the list is younger than 26.
Schwesinger threatened the NFL rookie record for tackles, falling short after sitting out the season finale with a leg injury. He will now attempt to break the two-season record of 320 tackles set by Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly with the Carolina Panthers. Schwesinger, who is often compared to Kuechly, needs 165 tackles this season to eclipse the mark.
That could be difficult as Schwesinger may struggle to get up to speed once he can return. In addition, the Browns added free agent linebacker Quincy Williams, who had four straight 100-tackle seasons with the New York Jets, with new Browns coordinator Mike Rutenberg as his position coach.
Hopefully, Schwesinger will be able to properly prepare and be ready for the regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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