Carson Schwesinger - NFL Linebacker

• Full Name: Carson Schwesinger
• Date of Birth: February 24, 2003
• Hometown: Moorpark, California
• High School: Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village, CA)
• College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (2021–2024)
• NFL Draft: Selected by the Cleveland Browns, 2nd Round, Pick #33 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft
• Position: Linebacker

• Began his UCLA career as an unheralded walk-on with zero recruiting rankings :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Earned a scholarship prior to the 2022 season and played sparingly as a reserve through 2023 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Named a team captain heading into the 2024 season :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Had a breakout 2024 season:
  • Led all Power-Five players with 136 total tackles, including 90 solo tackles :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
  • Recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
  • Named First-Team All-American (AP) and earned second-team All-American honors from the AFCA and Walter Camp :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Earned First-Team All-Big Ten recognition :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Was a semifinalist for both the Butkus Award and the Burlsworth Trophy :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Had a standout performance in week 10 (13 tackles, a sack, 2 pass deflections vs Nebraska) and week 11 (7 tackles, 2 interceptions vs Iowa), earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

• Selected in the 2nd Round (33rd overall) by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Regarded as the second-ranked linebacker in the draft by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, praised for his elite pursuit speed and instincts :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Projected to fill a key MIKE linebacker role in Cleveland’s defense, bringing leadership and relentless effort :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

• Emerged from walk-on to national standout—the first UCLA or USC player drafted in 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Earned the nickname "Captain America" from teammates for his leadership, toughness, and football IQ :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Known for his special teams excellence early on—so much so that he played on all four units before earning defensive snaps :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Led the nation in solo tackles and was among the top in total tackles per game :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Once predicted as a potential surprising first-round pick, ultimately selected early in Round 2 :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.