Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year at Thursday's NFL Honors ceremony.
The Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists included Schwesinger, New York Giants pass-rusher Abdul Carter, Seattle Seahawks defensive back Nick Emmanwori, Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts, and Falcons pass-rusher James Pearce Jr.
| Player | First-place votes | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Carson Schwesinger | 40 | 441 |
| Nick Emmanwori | 7 | 199 |
| James Pearce Jr. | 2 | 173 |
| Xavier Watts | 1 | 102 |
| Abdul Carter | 0 | 72 |
Schwesinger took the NFL by storm this season, establishing himself as one of the league's best off-ball linebackers as a rookie. The 33rd overall pick amassed 156 tackles (11 for loss), three pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 16 appearances as one of the leaders of the Browns' solid defensive unit.
Carter, the No. 3 overall pick and first pass-rusher drafted in 2025, entered the campaign as a front-runner for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Giants' edge rusher led all rookies in pressures but was limited to only four sacks.
Edge rushers had won DROY honors the previous two years (Will Anderson and Jared Verse). Schwesinger is the first off-ball linebacker to win this award since former Indianapolis Colts defender Shaquille Leonard in 2018.
