The Cleveland Browns selected UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger with the No. 33 overall pick after also going defense with their first pick, regardless of the team's pressing need for offensive playmakers.
However, with the uncertain future of starting linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, it was a pick necessitated by immediate need.
Cleveland insider Terry Pluto believes it was the right move and that Schwesinger could make an immediate impact.
“He could be … special right away: That’s what I heard about Carson Schwesinger, the team’s second-round pick from UCLA," Pluto wrote. "The Browns believe he can start immediately at middle linebacker. He quickly picks up the defensive schemes. They love his speed. They believe he is as advanced at this early stage as Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah during his rookie season."
Schwesinger only had four missed tackles in all of 2024. Of all 47 FBS players who posted at least 100 tackles, his four missed were the fewest of all of them.
He could be an immediate help for a Browns defense that missed a ton of tackles last season, especially if JOK remains sidelined for an extended period.
The Browns are clearly focused on their quarterback issues this offseason, and rightfully so. But the special attention general manager Andrew Berry paid to the defense this offseason could pay dividends early in 2025.
Especially with the extension of star pass rusher Myles Garrett on the books.