After another disappointing regular season and currently in the midst of a big rebuild, the Browns finally have a small win with Carson Schwesinger. However, not every fan is on the same page.

The Browns' rookie had put up a great season, leading the NFL in the most tackles by a rookie. And deservedly, the NFL honored him with the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

"Man, I'm truly humbled and honored to receive this. I think, first and foremost, I want to give the glory to God. I think I've been blessed to be able to go out and play the game I love. And I never want to take that for granted," said Carson Schwesinger.

The rookie thanked the Browns and parents as well. However, some fans thought another player deserved the award. "Is this a joke? Nick Emmanwori had a better season," one user even commented.

Seahawks DB Nick Emmanwori, Giants LB Abdul Carter, Falcons EDGE James Pearce Jr., and Falcons S Xavier Watts were among the front-runners alongside Carson Schwesinger. All of them recorded great stats, but the NFL chose the Browns' rookie.

Carson Schwesinger had 67 solo tackles, 89 assists, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in 16 games in 2025. And while these stats might look great, the NFL fans have mixed feelings over the 22-year-old winning the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Fans Debate Over Carson Schwesinger Winning the DROY

Many fans have supported the rookie in winning this award. "Well deserved! His performance all season was dominant, a true force on the field," a fan said while another called him, "Elite player!!". And he has put up that kind of performance this year.

He led the NFL in most tackles for loss by a rookie in 2025, with 11 tackles, and also in the most run stops by a rookie in this season. Even a divisional rival's fan supported Schwesinger. "Most deserved award as a Ravens fan. If you don’t know why he won, you don’t know ball," wrote the user.

Schwesinger even won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for his 24 solo tackles, 18 assists, 0.5 sacks, and 1 interception in 4 games in November. But many fans do not agree with the NFL giving him the DROY, as they believe Nick Emmanwori deserved it more.

A user commented, "NICK EMANWORI ROBBED. S***** A** LEAGUE" while another wrote, "I speak for all football fans saying Nick Eman was the true deserved winner". Emmanwori had 56 solo tackles, 25 assists, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception in 14 games in 2025.

Do you think the Browns LB deserved the title? Tell us what you think in the comments.

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi