Cleveland Browns select 'Captain America' Carson Schwesinger at Pick 33

The Cleveland Browns traded back with the Jaguars, taking Carson Schwesinger with the 33rd pick in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old at 6’2″ and 242 pounds was regarded as a top-three linebacker prospect in this draft. He fits the Browns’ defensive scheme as a 4-3 linebacker as a Will backer and can be a tackling machine for Cleveland.

Browns select LB Carson Schwesinger at Pick 33

The Browns get their starting middle linebacker, as UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger was deemed “Captain America” as a Bruin. In three seasons in college, he had 109 solo tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, three pass deflections, and 12 tackles for loss at UCLA. Schwesinger had a breakout 2024 season with an All-Big Ten and All-American season last year.

He is among prospects like Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell, potentially as a late first-rounder, but he lands with the Dawg Pound at the top of the second round. Schwesinger had good enough athleticism, awareness, and physicality to be a run-and-chase backer who can benefit from being on the same defense as Myles Garrett.

Final Thoughts

The Browns get a starting linebacker in Schwesinger, as he will play alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (who’s battled injuries), veteran Jordan Hicks, Devin Bush, and veteran Jerome Baker. He should be a force in the middle of the defense, along with their fifth overall selection in the first round, Mason Graham. Cleveland gets a reliable linebacker with the 33rd overall selection.

He will have to chase the top AFC quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow around four games a season, and is a great fit for a former walk-on team captain at UCLA. Schwesinger has the tools and traits to be a solid starting linebacker from day one and will be good insurance to their other backers, who have been inconsistent or have dealt with various injuries.