When LB Carson Schwesinger walked into CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 7 for the beginning of the voluntary workout program, he felt a sense of familiarity and excitement to start off his second year in the NFL.
Just about a year ago, Schwesinger was selected as the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Browns and went on to win the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for his play during his rookie season. He led all NFL rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss and was tied for third in interceptions.
Now, as his second year begins, Schwesinger is already focused on building off a successful first season.
"My whole family was there which was cool to share that with all of them, it's a great honor," Schwesinger said. "But now I guess the mindset is just, what's next? And keep building off of it."
In the interim, the next step is participating in the offseason workout program. He used the time following the end of the season to get healthy and recover from the 2025 season. As they continue through the different phases of the workout program, Schwesinger said he is focused on finding the areas of his game that he can improve.
He has had conversations with run game coordinator and linebackers coach Jason Tarver about aspects of his game to focus on and how he could reach the levels of improvement they want to see.
"I think there's a lot of things to get better at," Schwesinger said. "Whether it's just the preparation throughout the game week and figuring out really what to watch, how to watch film and things like that. But even just in this time, whether it's improving the football knowledge, football intelligence or just finding better ways to attack the ball and really get those punch outs. I think that's something I'm really going to work on this year. And just continuing to grow in terms of patience behind the ball and being able to see things and being ready by the snap."
In order to begin that process, Schwesinger saw value in returning to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for the voluntary workout program during this stage of the offseason. He also viewed the program as an opportunity to meet new head coach Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.
"For me, I just want to be able to do as much as I can and get better," Schwesinger said. "And I think the place for me to do that is here. And obviously we have Rudy here and a lot of whole new coaches, so I think it's important to get to meet them as well and understand them. I was excited to be around all the guys again and see them and be able to work with them."
His coaches expressed the same level of excitement about the opportunity to coach Schwesinger. Monken remembered in 2025 when he was with the Ravens and the defensive coaching staff discussed Schwesinger ahead of the draft.
"I obviously didn't know him as the offensive coordinator, but I remember them speaking of what his superpower was, who he was," Monken said. "And then to see it when we played against him was impressive. Run, chase, hit, very instinctual, loves football, outstanding leader, all of those things and you're like, well, they're right. I'm damn glad he's a Brown."
Not only did Schwesinger lead the Browns in tackles, but he also served as the defensive signal caller by wearing the green dot. He earned the responsibility during training camp and stepped into a vital role as the starting middle linebacker, a role he held for the entirety of his rookie season.
Check out photos of Browns players lifting during Phase I Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillips (69) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Jack Conley (67) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (74) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (74) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Ahmani Marshall (23) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers (63) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Tight end Sal Cannella (87) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Tyre Phillips (69) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers (63) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Center Kingsley Eguakun (65) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (74) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (74) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) and Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
The offense during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
The defense during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Offensive guard Zion Johnson (77) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Safety Daniel Thomas (24) and Performance Science Fellow Jeremy Portillo during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Punter Nik Constantinou (30) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio (54) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a workout in Phase I of the offseason on April 13, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Now in Rutenberg's defensive system, Schwesinger has the opportunity to continue in that role. While Rutenberg joined the Browns as the new defensive coordinator in February, he wants to play with a similar style to what the Browns' defense utilized the last three years and brought ample success. That style is focused on attacking and playing fast, attributes that helped Schwesinger succeed in his rookie season.
Schwesinger recorded double-digit tackles in seven games during the 2025 season, including a stretch of six consecutive games – the longest streak in the NFL for the 2025 season. He was also the only NFL linebacker with at least 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions on the season.
"Carson is unique. He can do it all," Rutenberg said. "Let's build on the great things that he does. Keep putting him in those positions to help him take his game to another level."
His teammates saw firsthand how his success at middle linebacker and ability to wear the green dot allowed the defense as a whole to benefit. The Browns finished fourth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 283.6 yards per game. They led the NFL with 117 tackles for loss and finished three with 53 sacks – including 23 sacks from DE Myles Garrett, who broke the NFL single-season sack record.
Now, as the Browns prepare for the 2026 season and Schwesinger steps into his second year in Cleveland, his teammates know what he brings to the table as a teammate on and off the field.
"He just showed me how much of a great player he is and how high his ceiling is," CB Tyson Campbell said of Schwesinger. "He could be one of the greats to ever play in this league. And, the head he has on his shoulders, man, a humble, humble kid. Comes to work every day, passionate about his craft and his job, and cares about his teammates. So off rip I just seen, of course, how great of a player he is, but how humble and passionate about the game he is as well."
