As a freshman, he enrolled at UCLA as a bioengineering major, preparing for a life as a scientist who just so happens to play football.

But it wasn’t easy to get to where he is now. He walked onto the UCLA football team with Chip Kelly as the coach, and was primarily used on special teams. Eventually, he worked his way up and as a junior, led the FBS in total tackles.

No one knew who he was, but he knew that he could compete at the highest level and do it better than those who have spent their early careers being renowned as five-star prospects.

With his ability to see the game like a seasoned veteran, along with his high motor and willingness to hit anything that moves, it seemed like the NFL was the perfect place for him.

That’s exactly why the Cleveland Browns selected him with the first pick of the second round in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

And with the injury that sidelined linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, it forced Schwesinger into a position that he knew he was ready for the second he walked onto UCLA – starting in the NFL.

With four games into his career, and he’s already performing like he’s been in the league for several years, posting 31 total tackles. Not only that he registered 10 tackles against the Green Bay Packers including his first career sack.

But he’s not just solidifying himself as one of the top rookies in the NFL, he’s adamantly staking his claim as one of the premier linebackers, already posting more tackles than All Pros like Zack Baun and T.J. Watt.

PFF recently did a piece where it graded the All-Quarter team in the NFL, and Schwesinger was voted as the Defensive Rookie as the Quarter.

“New York Giants edge defender Abdul Carter and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell are also in the running here, but it is Schwesinger who takes the spot at this point in the year. One of just five linebackers in the NFL with a PFF grade above 75.0 both against the run and in coverage, his 84.1 overall PFF grade is the best among all rookie linebackers.”

Who would’ve thought the bioengineer would’ve been here at this point, playing pivotal NFL minutes and just might find his way into Pro Bowl discussion?

He did.

Cleveland’s next game is Sunday at 9:30 a.m. against the Minnesota Vikings in London, England.