The NFL’s Brightest Rookie Defender Is Dominating — Yet His Grip on the Title Is Slipping.QQ
With the NFL season halfway done, our team at A to Z Sports decided to vote on who should win each of the major NFL awards. Over the next week, we’ll release one article per day, covering each award. This article will cover the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
A panel of four writers was selected for each award, and we attempted to exclude the primary beat reporters for the top-five favorites by betting odds in each category. That way, we’ll minimize bias in the voting as much as possible.
And speaking of voting, we copied the NFL’s MVP point system, where first-place votes result in 10 points, second-place votes receive five points, third-place votes get three points, fourth-place votes are worth two points, and fifth-place votes are worth one point. Obviously, the player with the most points wins the award.
For the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, our panel includes Ryan Roberts, Kyle Crabbs, Tyler Forness, and Destin Adams.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
“The Cleveland Browns are currently 2-6 this season, but it isn’t because of the defense. Myles Garrett is one of the best in the NFL, but he’s not doing it alone. Schwesinger is already one of the better linebackers in the NFL, and he’s only played in eight games. He is reading defenses consistently well, filling the run, and covering in the passing game. He’s the full package, and looks like a great pick at 33rd overall.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
Final voting results
- Carson Schwesinger: 28 points (2)
- Abdul Carter: 25 points (2)
- Jihaad Campbell: 10 points
“Cleveland Browns fans weren’t initially thrilled when the team opened the second round of the draft back in April by selecting a linebacker. When the Browns took Carson Schwesinger, they did so knowing he would be a key part of their defense — especially with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah expected to miss the entire 2025 season. At the time, it wasn’t officially known that JOK would be out, but that pick all but confirmed it.
Since then, Schwesinger has stepped in and filled much of the void left by Owusu-Koramoah, and his immediate impact can’t be overstated. He’s been a difference-maker from the moment he hit the field.
The Browns will have to manage without their defensive signal-caller, as Schwesinger is set to miss multiple weeks with an ankle injury. Through this point in the season, he’s recorded 60 tackles, one sack, and an interception, along with four tackles for loss. His ability to read and react already ranks among the best at his position. Missing several weeks will likely hurt Schwesinger’s chances for postseason accolades, but there’s no denying he’s been one of the most impressive rookie defenders — and linebackers — in the NFL this season.” –
