Carson James Schwesinger (/ˈʃwɛsɪndʒər/ SHWESS-in-JURR; born February 24, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Schwesinger played college football for the UCLA Bruins and was selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, where he was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Early life

Schwesinger was born on February 24, 2003, in Moorpark, California.[1] He attended Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California, and was an unranked recruit. He committed to play college football for the UCLA Bruins, joining the team as a walk-on.[2][3]

College career

At UCLA, Schwesinger played 26 games in his first three collegiate seasons from 2021 to 2023, recording 27 tackles, with three being for a loss, and a sack.[4][5] Heading into the 2024 season, he was named one of the team captains.[6] In week ten of the 2024 season, Schwesinger notched 13 tackles, a sack, and two pass deflections, as he helped UCLA to a 27–20 win against Nebraska.[7] In week 11, He tallied seven tackles along with two interceptions, as he helped the Bruins to a win over Iowa.[8] For his performance versus the Hawkeyes, Schwesinger was named the Big Ten Conference defensive player of the week.[9] For his performance during the 2024 season, Schwesinger was named a semifinalist for both the Butkus Award and the Burlsworth Trophy.[10][11]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand spanWingspanVertical jumpBench press
6 ft 2+1⁄2 in
(1.89 m)		242 lb
(110 kg)		31+5⁄8 in
(0.80 m)		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		6 ft 5+1⁄2 in
(1.97 m)		39.5 in
(1.00 m)		20 reps
All values from NFL Combine[12][13]

2025

Schwesinger was selected with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.[14] In Week 8 against the New England Patriots, he recorded his first career interception on a pass from Drake Maye. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November.[15] Schwesinger started 16 games as a rookie, leading the team with 156 tackles, which was sixth in the league, along with 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and two interceptions. On January 3, 2026, Schwesinger was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a quad injury.[16] He was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team for the 2025 season.[17] Schwesinger won Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 NFL season.[18] He was ranked 93rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026.[19]

Career statistics

NFL

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsAvgLngTDPDFFFmbFRYdsTD
2025CLE 161615667892.5112168.090300000
Career 161615667892.5112168.090300000

College

Legend
Led NCAA Division I FBS
Bold Career high
Year Team GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
CmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsAvgTDPDFFFRYdsTD
2022UCLA 13151320.00.500—000000
2023UCLA 1312661.02.000—000000
2024UCLA 1213690464.08.52136.5031000
Career38163109545.011.02136.5031000

References

  1. ↑ Brugler, Dane. "The Beast: 2025 NFL Draft Guide". The Athletic. The New York Times. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
  2. ↑ Sondheimer, Eric (March 20, 2021). "UCLA is getting another top walk-on in Carson Schwesinger from Oaks Christian". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  3. ↑ Cavanaugh, Tom (November 15, 2024). "Bruins Top LB Earns Big-Time Interview After Career Performance". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Carson Schwesinger College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". Sports Reference. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  5. ↑ Bolch, Ben (October 31, 2024). "From zero stars to leading Big Ten in tackles: The rise of UCLA's Carson Schwesinger". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  6. ↑ Dizon, Kai (October 22, 2024). "From walk-on to captain, Carson Schwesinger soars as UCLA football's defensive ace". The Daily Bruin. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  7. ↑ Cavanaugh, Tom (November 5, 2024). "Former Bruins Walk-On LB Has Become One of the Nation's Best". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  8. ↑ Champion, Aidan (November 11, 2024). "Star Bruin LB Recognized as One of Best Week 11 Performers". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  9. ↑ Hamilton, Jake (November 11, 2024). "UCLA's Carson Schwesinger wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award". USA Today. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  10. ↑ Cavanaugh, Tom (November 12, 2024). "Bruins Captain LB Nominated For Prestigious Walk-On Award". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  11. ↑ Champion, Aidan (November 5, 2024). "UCLA LB in the Running for Major Award". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  12. ↑ Reuter, Chad; Zierlein, Lance. "Carson Schwesinger Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Carson Schwesinger College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
  14. ↑ Russo, Kelly (April 25, 2025). "Browns select LB Carson Schwesinger with the No. 33 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
  15. ↑ Russo, Kelsey (December 4, 2025). "Carson Schwesinger named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  16. ↑ Easterling, Chris (January 3, 2026). "Browns place rookie Carson Schwesinger on injured reserve". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  17. ↑ "McMillan PFWA Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year, Schwesinger Defensive Rookie of the Year; 2025 All-Rookie Team named". PFWA. January 20, 2026. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
  18. ↑ Shook, Nick (February 5, 2026). "Browns LB Carson Schwesinger named 2025 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of Year". NFL.com. Retrieved April 6, 2026.
  19. ↑ Russo, Kelsey (June 25, 2026). "Carson Schwesinger slated at No. 93 in NFL's Top 100 Players of 2026". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved June 25, 2026.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carson_Schwesinger