**The Browns have key rookies at important positions. With the season opener approaching, what are the expectations?** – Rob M., Fairmont, West Virginia
The Browns have 12 rookies on the roster heading into Week 1, with some position groups featuring the rookies more prominently. However, all 12 rookies that made the roster have earned their spot on the 53, and the expectations for them are the same ones that the Browns hold for all of their rostered players. The Browns have a team mentality and identity centered around toughness, competitiveness and hard work, and throughout camp that has been on display through the intensity of practices.
Now as the 2025 regular season begins, that expectation to uphold that team identity doesn't change. No matter their role – either as a starter or a backup – each rookie is expected to play to their best with those three traits embodied in their games.
"It's been a really impressive rookie class, in terms of their preparedness, their professionalism," Stefanski said. "Each one of those guys represents that they've, from the jump, been about their business, have been trustworthy. We've put them in some tough spots, and they've responded. So, it's an impressive group in that regard."
One of those rookies that will hold an important role is LB [Carson Schwesinger](/team/players-roster/carson-schwesinger/). Throughout training camp and the preseason, he made plays both during practice and had a positive impact on the defensive side of the ball in games. He also wore the green dot and helped run the defense. It's a role Schwesinger could hold as the 2025 regular season begins, giving him the responsibility to get his teammates lined up on the defensive side of the ball.
"I'm very impressed with him on a daily basis," Stefanski said on Aug. 21. "Both the plays he makes on the field and what he's able to do in the building. Making those calls is no small feat for young players, and I think the veterans on this team recognize and respect that he knows it. They respect that he puts in the work, and he does make plays out here on the practice field they hope translate to the game."