The Cleveland Browns' rookie class has not just exceeded expectations. It has carried the franchise through a turbulent 2025 season. While the Browns have struggled to find consistent footing, two second round picks have emerged as foundational pieces, turning what once looked like a transitional year into a showcase of future promise.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger and running back Quinshon Judkins both landed on ESPN’s latest Top 10 rookies of the 2025 season list, as voted on by five network analysts. Schwesinger tops the list at number one, while Judkins comes in at number eight, marking one of the strongest rookie duos in the league entering Week 14.
Schwesinger Playing Like a Defensive Rookie of the Year Lock
Selected at the top of Round 2 out of UCLA, Schwesinger has quickly become the face of Cleveland’s defense and the runaway favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year, with sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel listing him between +700 and +900. His production backs it up.
Through 13 weeks, Schwesinger has totaled 106 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, two interceptions, and one and a half sacks. ESPN’s Jeff Legwold highlighted his instincts and presence within Jim Schwartz’s defense, noting both his processing speed and physicality.
His November performance deserved its own spotlight. Schwesinger was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month after leading all rookies with 39 tackles and six tackles for loss. He was the only first year player to record at least one tackle for loss in every game during the month. His Week 11 outing against Baltimore featured 10 tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception, earning him NFL Rookie of the Week honors.
Linebackers coach Jason Tarver praised his approach. “To come in here, stay focused, build his body, come back from what he came back from after the bye week and get in there and make all those tackles, it is very impressive. But it is taking advantage of the opportunity. I am proud of him for that.”
Jim Schwartz added perspective by comparing Schwesinger’s command to early stages of Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. “The command that Carson has now in a lot of respects took Ray’s third year in the league. He is our play caller, very rarely makes a mistake. When he does make a mistake, it does not repeat and he is very productive on the field. Really proud of his development.”
Judkins Emerging as Cleveland’s Offensive Lifeline
Three picks after Schwesinger, the Browns selected Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State. Despite Cleveland’s offensive limitations, Judkins has been described by ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler as the only reliable component of an offense that ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring.
He has produced 758 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and 846 total yards from scrimmage. He leads all rookies in rushing and ranks fifteenth among all NFL players. His Week 13 performance, which included 109 total yards on 26 touches, earned him a nomination for NFL Rookie of the Week.
Cleveland may be enduring another uneven season, but its future is starting to take shape. If Schwesinger and Judkins continue on this trajectory, the Browns 2025 draft class will be remembered as the turning point that jumpstarted the franchise’s next era.