The Cleveland Browns have had another player mentioned in ESPN’s polling and subsequent rankings, a yearly series put together by insider Jeremy Fowler. We’ve seen running back Quinshon Judkins, tight end Harold Fannin Jr., pass rusher Jared Verse, and cornerback Denzel Ward all make appearances thus far. NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2025 second round pick Carson Schwesinger has now joined them.
In this polling piece done by Fowler, Schwesinger was ranked as the third-best linebacker in the NFL after just one season with the Browns. This is extraordinarily high praise, sliding in behind only Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers and Roquon Smith of the Baltimore Ravens.
This comes after Schwesinger, a day one starter for the Browns, racked up a massive 156 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
What the NFL has to say on the Browns’ star linebacker
Here is what one personnel executive had to say on the Browns’ impressive linebacker:
“He’s [Luke] Kuechly reincarnated… Elite speed, athleticism, instincts, ball skills.”
That was not the only person around the league raving about the defending NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Another AFC executive added to the praise for Schwesinger, saying, “Plays fast, excellent instincts, good in coverage… Impressive for a rookie.”
After the trade of Myles Garrett, the Browns are turning the keys of the defense over to Schwesinger and new young pass rusher Jared Verse. This defense will go as far as these two players take it. Luckily for the Browns, these are two young and extremely talented cornerstones to build upon.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns young cornerstone already in elite company after rookie season
Reporting by Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire | USA TODAY Network
