NFL, American Football Herren, USA Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Dec 7, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 watches from the sidelines late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20251207_kab_bk4_006
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Dec 7, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 watches from the sidelines late in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20251207_kab_bk4_006
Jan 11, 2026, 1:00 PM CUT
3 Rookies Who Could Be the Future of Cleveland Browns & It's Not Shedeur Sanders
Ever since Sheduer Sanders debuted in Week 11 against the Ravens, experts and critics have been debating whether he is the next Browns franchise guy.
Sanders’ performances across eight games have aggravated some and reassured others. The 2025 season ended in a 5-14 record, and they are gearing up to improve on the next one.
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on December 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Steelers at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228017
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on December 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Steelers at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228017
While the future is uncertain, Sanders may be overshadowed this time, too, and not just by one but by three rookies who could build the Browns.
According to a Bleacher Report story by Brent Sobleski, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, defensive tackle Mason Graham, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. are the three players who are more likely to be the future of the Browns.
Carson Schwesinger Is a Rookie of the Year Contender
Schwesinger was the 33rd overall pick and selected in the second round. He recorded 66 solo tackles out of 156 total. He recorded 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions this season.
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 21: Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger 49 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Bills at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251221114
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 21: Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger 49 takes the field prior to the National Football League game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Bills at Browns EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251221114
Sobleski applauded the 22-year-old for his performance, which made him an asset for the Browns’ defensive unit.
“Carson Schwesinger is the favorite to win the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. While off-ball linebacker isn't considered a premium position, hence why a pair of pass-rushers still went ahead of him in this redraft, Schwesinger's production speaks for itself,” he wrote.
DT Mason Graham
Graham’s stats are in no way impressive as Schwesinger’s. Yet, the defensive end deserves a shoutout for his 28 solo tackles out of the 49 he has claimed this season. He made half a sack against the Green Bay Packers.
He was the Browns’ fifth overall pick in the first round and made 17 starts this season, proving himself important in Myles Garrett’s unit.
“Graham's stats may not be impressive, but he made multiple impact plays for the Cleveland Browns and showed he can be an every-down lineman,” Sobleski opined.
TE Harold Fannin Jr.
“Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. does what he does: He catches a lot of passes,” is what Sobleski had to write about the 21-year-old.
The 67th pick in the third round made 72 receptions for 731 yards and scored six touchdowns.
Soblenski pointed out that Fannin’s skills are invaluable and not defined by his stature.
“He wasn't viewed a top tight end prospect despite his production, because he didn't have a big frame or top-end athleticism. He simply knows how to get open and pluck the pigskin out of the air.”
Sanders threw eight touchdowns across seven games and was intercepted 10 times. Although his “crazy” fans rally behind him, and he has the support of other big quarterbacks, his teammates still surpass him.
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu