The Cleveland Browns' narrow defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, a 17-16 outcome that could've been different if a kick or two went through the uprights, had the defense to credit for being so competitive.
Specifically, two Cleveland defensive rookies stood out in a big way: Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger.
Graham is the defensive tackle out of Michigan. The Browns traded down to No. 5 from No. 2 to pick up two additional selections from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and to take Graham at that spot.
That'll lead to comparisons to Travis Hunter, given that's who the Browns gave up to get Graham instead.
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Graham looked good against the Bengals and was named to the Pro Football Focus Rookie Team of the Week.
"The Browns made a controversial decision in the 2025 Draft by passing up on Travis Hunter to trade down and select Michigan’s Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick," PFF wrote. "Graham paid immediate benefits, earning a starting job right out of the gate while putting up a solid 67.3 PFF run-defense grade."
Schwesinger, who was the first pick of the second round, is crucial as a Browns middle linebacker this season.
He too made PFF's rookie team for Week 1.
"As the first pick of the second round, Carson Schwesinger immediately established himself in the heart of the Browns’ defense, playing nearly every defensive snap while generating a grade of at least 70.0 in run defense (70.9), as a pass rusher (76.0), and in coverage (83.8)," PFF wrote.
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The Browns held Joe Burrow to 113 passing yards, which is wild.
They'll need their defensive rookies on their game again in Week 2. The Browns visit Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
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