The Cleveland Browns had a pair of impressive rookies in 2025, including a linebacker. And a tight end also drew plenty of praise. But it is the linebacker getting the most praise, as he could be the NFL’s next star at the position. He has been called “Luke Kuechly reincarnated” with the Browns.
Executives and coaches ranked the top off-ball linebackers, according to ESPN. And the Browns’ Carson Schwesinger took the No. 3 spot.
“The next star linebacker has arrived,” Jeremy Fowler wrote.
“He’s [Luke] Kuechly reincarnated,” a personnel executive with an NFL team said. “Elite speed, athleticism, instincts, ball skills.”
Browns LB Carson Schwesinger coming off great season
Last year, Schwesinger was one of three players with at least two sacks, two interceptions, and 10 tackles for loss. He was the first rookie to reach that mark since Shaquille Leonard did it in 2018 for the Colts.
Schwesinger had 156 tackles and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
“Some scouts and coaches want to see him do it again before placing him in the top two, though,” Fowler wrote.
“Plays fast, excellent instincts, good in coverage,” a high-ranking AFC evaluator said. “Impressive for a rookie.”
Schwesinger ranked No. 93 on the NFL’s list of the top 100 players. He brings plenty of ability to the field, according to clevelandbrowns.com.
“Carson’s so smart and studies everything and wants to be really good at everything,” run game coordinator and linebackers coach Jason Tarver said. “And his superpower, of course, is running to the ball and finding the ball. So, we’re amplifying that with some of the scheme and how he goes. And then being able to do everything.
“He wants to be really good at everything, whether he’s covering, rushing, fitting runs. So, there’s a few things in each of those categories that those are our emphasis points. And in the spring, there’s a lot of things we did drill wise to even help more there. So, what’s great about him is he really wants to be good at everything and just be a great teammate. “
The Cleveland Browns had a pair of impressive rookies in 2025, including a linebacker. And a tight end also drew plenty of praise. But it is the linebacker getting the most praise, as he could be the NFL’s next star at the position. He has been called “Luke Kuechly reincarnated” with the Browns.
