The Cleveland Browns traded back with the Jaguars, taking Carson Schwesinger with the 33rd pick in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old at 6’2″ and 242 pounds was regarded as a top-three linebacker prospect in this draft. He fits the Browns’ defensive scheme as a 4-3 linebacker as a Will backer and can be a tackling machine for Cleveland.
Browns select LB Carson Schwesinger at Pick 33
The Browns get their starting middle linebacker, as UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger was deemed “Captain America” as a Bruin. In three seasons in college, he had 109 solo tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, three pass deflections, and 12 tackles for loss at UCLA. Schwesinger had a breakout 2024 season with an All-Big Ten and All-American season last year.
He is among prospects like Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell, potentially as a late first-rounder, but he lands with the Dawg Pound at the top of the second round. Schwesinger had good enough athleticism, awareness, and physicality to be a run-and-chase backer who can benefit from being on the same defense as Myles Garrett.
Final Thoughts
The Browns get a starting linebacker in Schwesinger, as he will play alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (who’s battled injuries), veteran Jordan Hicks, Devin Bush, and veteran Jerome Baker. He should be a force in the middle of the defense, along with their fifth overall selection in the first round, Mason Graham. Cleveland gets a reliable linebacker with the 33rd overall selection.
He will have to chase the top AFC quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow around four games a season, and is a great fit for a former walk-on team captain at UCLA. Schwesinger has the tools and traits to be a solid starting linebacker from day one and will be good insurance to their other backers, who have been inconsistent or have dealt with various injuries.
