The Cleveland Browns are off to a disappointing start to the season, but one area that offers some hope is the rookie class.
On offense, running back Quinshon Judkins has quickly established himself as the lead back by rushing for 237 of the 313 yards from the running backs and two rushing touchdowns. And tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is leading the team in receptions (17) and is second in receiving yards (160).
On defense, first-round selection Mason Graham is mostly holding his own, while linebacker
Carson Schwesinger has quickly become one of the best defensive rookies in the league.
This Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Dillon Gabriel will have an opportunity to join the rookie brigade after replacing Joe Flacco as the starter.
With one month in the books, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler selected his early All-Rookie Team, and the Browns are well represented.
While Judkins was an honorable mention choice behind the AFC West Division duo of Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers) and Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders), Fannin was the runner-up choice at tight end:
With 17 receptions through four games, Fannin joins Warren as the only rookie tight ends with more than a dozen catches. As Fannin arrived from the MAC as one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft class, it was fair to wonder how long it would take him to adapt to an NFL offense. But the rookie curve has been minimal — Fannin leads all NFL tight ends with seven forced missed tackles.
He will become even more of a weapon for Kevin Stefanski’s offense as his run blocking develops.
Graham and Schwesinger were both the top picks at their respective positions, with Brugler highlighting Graham’s flash plays:
Graham leads all rookie interior defensive linemen in snaps played (180), tackles (11) and pressures (seven). He has been more inconsistent than you would like for a top-five pick, but he has put impact-level flashes on film — especially in Cleveland’s Week 3 upset of the Packers.
This isn’t a strong position for first-year players, so Graham gets the top spot based on those sporadic flashes. It is too early for regrets, but given the Browns’ offensive line woes and (Armand) Membou’s performance (with the New York Jets), Cleveland has to be hoping Graham improves his consistency and lives up to his draft spot.
As for Schwesinger, Brugler credits him with improving what was seen as a flaw coming into the season:
Hopefully, they stay healthy, because Schwesinger and Jihaad Campbell should be locked in a fun battle for the top rookie linebacker spot all season.
The rookie leader in tackles with 31, Schwesinger has been flying all over the field, making plays sideline to sideline. Just like his college tape, his closing burst and breakdown skills in space have been outstanding, allowing him to keep missed tackles to a minimum. Schwesinger has also been an asset in coverage — he’s yet to allow a catch of more than 10 yards.
The one area of concern about his game throughout the draft process was his ability (or lack thereof) to take on contact at the line, but that hasn’t been an issue for him so far. Schwesinger is making a strong push for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Also receiving honorable mention status were Gabriel, even though he hasn’t taken a snap in the regular season, and defensive tackle Adin Huntington, who has been a find after signing with the Browns as an undrafted free agent.
