Browns roster review: Taking a look at Carson Schwesinger and the LBs

As training camp quickly approaches, so does the return of many Browns linebackers who made a solid impact during the 2024 season. The backlash and media criticism that followed securing only three victories were well-deserved, but bringing back most of the linebacker room suggests the blame may have been misdirected.

The team’s clear focus for the linebacker group this offseason was to retain its veterans while finding a player who can fill Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s shoes. The Browns brought back veterans like Devin Bush and Winston Reid and added former Miami Dolphin Jerome Baker.

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Now, let’s take a quick look at some of the Browns’ 2025 linebackers and their expectations for the upcoming season:

Carson Schwesinger

May 9, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) runs a drill during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Despite officially losing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for the entire 2025 season, the Browns still upgraded their linebacker room with the 33rd overall pick, Carson Schwesinger. The former UCLA Bruin was a star in his final year with the team, collecting 136 total tackles and 4.0 sacks.

After receiving his fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract, Schwesinger is expected to be the starting Will linebacker in Week 1 of the regular season. Many fans and Browns personnel have high expectations for the rookie linebacker.

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Jordan Hicks

BEREA, OHIO – JUNE 10: Jordan Hicks #58 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Despite the presence of several veterans on the Browns roster, Jordan Hicks remains the top playmaker in the group. In just 12 games for the Browns in 2024, Hicks totaled 78 combined tackles along with a promising 77.7 PFF run defense grade. Had he played all 16 games, he likely would’ve recorded his sixth straight season with 100+ combined tackles.

Returning for the second year of his three-year contract, Hicks will have more support from his fellow linebackers in 2025. He now has a year of experience under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and will welcome the addition of rookie Carson Schwesinger. Despite his strong track record, Hicks will still need to compete for reps with newly acquired veteran Jerome Baker.

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Jerome Baker

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jerome Baker participates in drills during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

A fresh face in Cleveland but a veteran around the NFL, Jerome Baker joins the Browns after a long stint with the Miami Dolphins. The former Ohio State Buckeye and Cleveland native returns home with a solid statistical resume. Last season, Baker recorded 61 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and earned a 61.0 overall PFF grade.

The hometown defensive star is currently projected to be the second-string middle linebacker, according to ESPN. Despite this, depth charts are far from finalized, and Baker is expected to have a significant role either way. Time will tell if he can continue his consistent NFL career in a Browns uniform.

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Devin Bush

Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) tackles him during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Along with the addition of Schwesinger comes the return of some key veterans, including linebacker Devin Bush. Bush re-signed with the Browns after a consistently solid 2024 season, totaling 76 tackles and earning a 79.2 overall PFF grade — ranked 16th among 189 NFL linebackers. When the Browns had the opportunity to bring him back on a team-friendly one-year deal, they didn’t hesitate.

Bush will need to fight to reclaim his role as Cleveland’s starting strongside linebacker. Another player who made a positive impact in 2024 and continues to improve is Mohamoud Diabate. Both linebackers will battle for a starting spot they each arguably deserve.

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Mohamoud Diabate

Cleveland Browns linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) breaks up a pass intended for running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during practice at NFL minicamp, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]

Mohamoud Diabate has quickly become a fan favorite, transforming from an undrafted free agent into a key contributor on defense and special teams. After returning from a hip injury in Week 6 of the 2024 season, he claimed a starting spot and consistently made plays throughout the remainder of the year.

In 13 games last season, Diabate racked up 70 combined tackles and made 11 starts, showcasing his impact. His journey from undrafted rookie to reliable starter came as no surprise to those within the Browns organization, who recognized his relentless dedication from the beginning. Despite his breakout season, Diabate still faces the challenge of proving in training camp that he can sustain that level of performance and officially secure a starting role.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns roster review: Taking a look at Carson Schwesinger and the LBs