BEREA, Ohio -- Two of the Cleveland Browns key defensive performers have been impressed in the early going with their new defensive coordinator.
Last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the year, Carson Schwesinger is excited for what he's seen and heard from Mike Rutenberg.
"It's been great," Schwesinger said on Wednesday. "Getting to know him, a lot of energy, somebody that I'll be talking to every day and working with closely and I think good things are going to come from it. I'm excited."
Cornerback Tyson Campbell, who joined the Browns in the middle of last season after a trade with the Jaguars for Greg Newsome, who was in the final year of his rookie contract.
Campbell signed a four-year, $76.5 million contract extension before training camp in 2024 and under contract through the 2028 season.
#Browns CB Tyson Campbell on his first impressions of DC Mike Rutenberg pic.twitter.com/fDTlcu7z1w
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) April 8, 2026
Campbell, 26, allowed 17 receptions on 39 targets in man to man coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus, which was the Browns' second-best passer rating allowed when targeted in man coverage last season. Campbell played 12 games for the Browns after the trade and had one interception that was returned for a touchdown against the Dolphins. He also forced a fumble and had 12 passes broken up.
Campbell said he sensed the energy right away from Rutenberg.
"You bring in that type of positive energy into a room, it's so addictive and I feel like everybody around him can pick off of that energy," Campbell said. "And that's what you want out of a defensive coordinator, a guy that's passionate about ball, passionate about his guys, and it's contagious and other dudes around the room will be able to open up and reflect that same energy around the locker room."
Rutenberg, 44, replaced well-liked and highly successful defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, who stepped down after being passed over for the head coaching position after Kevin Stefanski was fired.