The Cleveland Browns have made a significant impact with their rookie class, especially with linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who was nearly a target for the Chicago Bears. Selected with the 33rd overall pick, Schwesinger has emerged as a standout player, currently leading the Browns with 119 tackles, placing him seventh in the league. In addition to his impressive tackle count, he has recorded 1.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and two interceptions, marking a remarkable start to his career.
This week, Bears head coach Ben Johnson highlighted Schwesinger”s talents during discussions with ESPN 1000″s Jeff Joniak. Johnson expressed admiration for Schwesinger, stating that he was highly regarded during the draft. “He”s going to be a good player for a long time,” Johnson noted. “He”s all over the place. Highly instinctive. He reminds me a lot of Kuechly.” This praise came even when the conversation was not specifically about Schwesinger, indicating the level of interest the Bears had in him.
It seems evident that the Bears conducted thorough research on Schwesinger, suggesting they had genuine intentions of drafting him. The unsolicited comparison to Kuechly implies a strong interest that may have led them to consider Schwesinger for one of their second-round picks, especially given their early selections at 39 and 41. Although selecting a linebacker early in the second round might have surprised some, the Bears” interest aligns with their strategy of bolstering their roster after addressing key positions in free agency.
The Bears also drafted linebacker Ruben Hypollite II in the fourth round, recognizing the need for competition in the linebacker unit following the departure of Jack Sanborn in free agency. Concerns about Noah Sewell“s ability to contribute significantly on defense likely influenced their decision-making process. Schwesinger could have provided valuable depth behind Tremaine Edmunds, especially considering the significant financial implications should he fail to meet expectations this season.
As Schwesinger continues to excel, the Bears” decision-making regarding their draft strategy is under scrutiny. The timing of their picks and the selection of Quinshon Judkins at 36, rather than pursuing Schwesinger, may haunt them if the rookie continues to develop into a key player for the Browns. The Bears might have hoped that certain players would still be available later in the draft, but with Schwesinger”s current performance, it”s clear their front office may have faced greater disappointment when he was chosen just ahead of them.
