When the Browns ran out of the tunnel at Huntington Bank Field for their season opener against the Bengals, four rookies had earned a starting role for the Week 1 matchup.
Another five rookies subbed in over the course of the game on both sides of the ball, finding their spots to impact the game for the Browns. While Cleveland lost to Cincinnati 17-16 in the season opener, the state of the rookie class is one to be encouraged by.
"In volume, it's a lot of rookies, but they don't act like rookies, and I don't consider them rookies at this point," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "They're guys that we're counting on. They're guys that really work at their craft, and that's been the case since they got on campus here. And you really can go down the line with all of them. They all are very serious about their job. They all work very hard, and they all will continue to get better."
Three of those young players the Browns are counting on are the offensive side of the ball in TE Harold Fannin Jr.., RB Dylan Sampson and RB Raheim Sanders – each of whom positively impacted the offense in Week 1.
While Sanders totaled three carries for three yards, he punched in the Browns' first touchdown of the day on a 1-yard carry early in the second quarter. Sanders was quickly acclimated to the Browns after he was claimed off of waivers on Aug. 27, and 11 days later, played in his first NFL game with Cleveland. He used those 11 days to learn the offense and prepare for any opportunity that could arise.
Stefanski said due to Sanders' size as a 6-foot, 230 pound running back that he was the right person for their short yardage goal line package. While who fills that role can vary week to week, Sanders used his opportunity in his first NFL game to his advantage, running behind his pads and finding his way into the end zone for the touchdown.
Both Fannin and Sampson also made their presence known in the offense in Week 1, particularly in the passing game. The Bengals' run defense succeeded to limit the Browns' run game – finishing with 49 rushing yards – so Cleveland shifted toward moving the ball through the air.
Both Fannin and Sampson were main targets for QB Joe Flacco. Fannin caught seven of his team-high nine targets for 63 receiving yards, and his longest catch of the day went for 22 receiving yards. While he struggled with two dropped passes, Fannin still helped Cleveland move down the field on drives. He also took a direct snap and ran up the middle for three yards.
"Harold, I thought, really competed hard," Stefanski said. "That's one of the things you love about him out there. Whether it's the ball's in his hand or not, he's giving you everything he's got."
Sampson caught all eight of his targets, leading the Browns in receptions, for 64 receiving yards. His longest catch of the day went for 14 yards. Sampson displayed his shiftiness and how he could extend plays by breaking the first tackle.
"I thought he looked really good," Flacco said of Sampson. "I mean, when you get him the ball in a little bit of space, the first guy wasn't making the tackle. And I think the amount that actually keeps you on the field, it keeps those chains moving, wears the defense out that extra a little bit. Makes sure they're running to the ball. I think that was the key for him, is just making that first guy miss. And I think he did that a lot."
Over the summer, the Browns saw how Sampson could contribute not only to the run game, but also to the pass game. He had an increased workload over the offseason to acclimate him to different roles they could use Sampson in the run and the pass game. Sampson coupled his eight receptions for 64 yards with 12 carries for 29 rushing yards.
"He's a guy that we're counting on," Stefanski said of Sampson. "We trust him. I know he's a rookie, but he's very mature. He's very intelligent. Doesn't carry himself like a rookie. He's a good football player. We're going to need him."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, featuring top plays and moments.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) before a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96), Linebacker Devin Bush (30), and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) and Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) and Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Fans during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The fans during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse (20) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) and Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on September 7, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Yet, it wasn't just the rookies on the offensive side of the ball who made plays. Defensively, DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger helped the defense pressure QB Joe Burrow and assert a level of dominance in the second half.
Heading into Week 1, Graham's presence as an interior pass rusher was an important element of the defense for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. As the Browns adjusted defensively following the first offensive drive by the Bengals, Graham began to find his rhythm. He recorded three tackles against the Bengals.
"I thought Mason had a good game. I thought he was disruptive," Stefanski said. "There's a couple plays that I know he wants back, and he wants to make plays, but he was playing. Did a nice job in his first game in our scheme and all stuff that he can build on."
Schwesinger also made stops throughout the game, leading the defense in total tackles, as well as a big play late in the third quarter. As Burrow connected with HB Chase Brown on a short pass, Schwesinger was there in coverage to bring him to the ground before the first-down marker and forced the Bengals to take a field goal. Schwesinger finished the game with eight tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit.
Those on-field contributions on both sides of the ball are exactly what the Browns needed from their young players to kick off the season.
While the ultimate results of the game were not how the Browns wanted to start the season – and the Browns are in a results-based business – they also have a deep affinity for player development. With 13 total rookies on the active roster, developing their young players in training camp and the preseason and through the season is an important component of their daily work.
The evolution of their two rookie quarterbacks in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders continues in their roles behind Flacco. They will also focus on progressing other rookies like Fannin, Graham, Sampson and Schwesinger in their designated roles throughout the season, relying on their contributions on both sides of the ball to positively impact the product on the field and lead to wins for Cleveland.
Through that progression and continued game reps, their young players can have an immediate impact on the success of the Browns this season. Yet, that advancement over their first seasons will also lay the foundation for the future.
"We've all talked about these young players this is their first game, and there's going to be jitters and all those types of things that go with it," Stefanski said. "And I expect all these guys, the young guys in particular, to get better with every game."
