It almost feels unfair to include reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger on this list. However, the UCLA product didn’t earn a Pro Bowl invite or an All-Pro nod this past season, so, technically, he still qualifies as “promising.”
And, to be perfectly honest, Schwesinger will likely have a hard time replicating his rookie success now that Myles Garrett is no longer at the heart of the Cleveland Browns’ defense.
Still, it’s impossible to ignore the production, versatility, leadership, and impact Schwesinger had this past season. He suffered a quad injury late in the year and landed on injured reserve ahead of the season finale. Yet, he managed to rack up 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two interceptions in 16 games.
Schwesinger has already shown that he can do a little bit of everything at a high level. With Garrett gone, he may become the new face of the Browns’ defense as early as this season.