The Opening Drive 9/23: We Have To Keep Talking About This Rookie Class
It's early, obviously, but the impact this young group is having must be consistently discussed.
The vibes remain good. We’re now two days removed from the Browns’ comeback against the Packers that was the kind of win you have to pinch yourself to believe actually happened in the Browns’ favor. Kevin Stefanski spent a few moments with the media yesterday updating injuries and taking questions, and you could tell how pleased he was with the toughness and resolve it took to pull it off.
“The game itself, obviously, like we talked about yesterday, the effort for 60 minutes— all 60 minutes were required. I was really pleased with how the guys fought, hung in there, endured, and were resilient. And then you come away with a win versus a really good football team. So, we’re spending time today learning from that win, things that we can do better, and then we’ll move on to Detroit here shortly. With that, I’ll take any questions.”
We talk often here about roster construction and where everything is headed for the Browns in what feels like a transition year of sorts. We’ve discussed players needing big seasons to establish themselves long-term, and we’ll continue to revisit that throughout the year. But the immediate impact of these rookies remains the single biggest storyline of the young season.
To be clear, there’s a long way to go—14 more games, to be exact—but the early returns on this pivotal class are too good not to discuss weekly. Their return to the first round for the first time since 2021 had to deliver an impact player, yet they chose to move down. That decision brought plenty of justified questions. But the trade with Jacksonville, adding another premier second-round pick and then nailing their selections, has been a soothing presence amid a tough start.
Those rookies thrived again on Sunday in the win, and now the rest of the NFL world is taking notice of the total package. This class has the potential to be massive for the future. Let’s discuss.
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The defense dominated the day, as we know well and more to come on this later today, but the way Carson Schwesinger is playing in his early career is astounding. He arrived in Cleveland and from Day 1 established himself as the MIKE linebacker who handled sideline communication, alignments, and playing the field general has been impressive to watch — to say the least. This does not happen often. Go look at how many other linebackers start their career in this role and check the tape on Schwesinger. Physical, intelligent, passionate. He is the real deal and Sunday had the full set of skills on display.
Schwesinger leads the rookie class in “stop tackles'“ and should also be in the lead for sacks through three weeks but one of those sacks was called back for a 12th man on the sideline headed out of bounds. A weapon as a blitzer that Jim Schwartz is using and able to play both run and pass coverage.
Mason Graham has had up and down moments in the three weeks of NFL action but that is to be expected for any rookie transitioning at the position and player the role where he is double-teamed on the interior more often than not. On Sunday he found some solo snaps and thrived. The hand fighting is getting better each week as he is realizing how he has to win in the NFL and then the run defense continues to flash weekly where his processing of schemes stands out. You can see the vision for the dominance coming down the line.
His six pressures trail only EDGE rushers Abdul Carter, James Pearce Jr., and Mykel Williams. He’s also played more snaps than any other iDL by a wide margin and performing the best of those getting a higher volume with more consistent play.
It didn’t take Quinshon Judkins long to establish himself as perhaps the best performer in the 2025 class at running back. His two games have featured the power, contact balance, and vision I thought he flashed across his college tape. He is created at the line-of-scrimmage and beyond with his decisive approach and physical nature at the point of contact. He was the Browns best player on the field offensively Sunday.
The data will tell you that through just two weeks of action he is among the better performers across the NFL with a success rate that challenges James Cook in Buffalo and other premier talent at the position. Huge thank to BFB Founding Member “Daviroth” for providing the visual here.
His efficiency is impressive so far. He is creating when yards are provided by the offensive line and scheme but also creating after contact.
Judkins trails only Ashton Jeanty by two yards for total yardage after contact but has 19 fewer carries. He is averaging 5.14 yards after contact which leads the NFL for any rusher who has 20 attempts on the season. You can see his pathway to becoming a version of what the Browns had in Nick Chubb previously.
Harold Fannin Jr. had a quiet day overall and struggled in run blocking against a stellar Packers defensive line, but he reminded us how dangerous he can be after the catch with his 4th quarter effort shaking four tackles to gain a key 14 yards. He leads all rookies on the year with 15 receptions and has hauled-in 83% of his targets. His role being this large, this early is what stands out. Only first-round pick Tyler Warren has more snaps and targets.
The Browns were not kidding all offseason about their plans to use him all over the field and it is reaping benefits. He has 49 snaps in the slot, 66 inline as a traditional tight end (including 36 as a wing in Y-Y looks), 16 snaps outside, 11 in the backfield, and even one a wildcat quarterback. You do not see a role this large for tight ends this early in their career very often — especially for one not selected in the first two round of the draft. The early returns here are strong.
I would be remiss to not mention Adin Huntington. His role is not vast along on the defensive line just yet but that has not stopped him from contributing. He leads all rookies along the iDL in performance grade across 37 snaps and he has two pressure and a sack in just those 21 pass rush reps. He is explosive and powerful for the frame and it is getting results in situational opportunities. His “superman cross chop” move on Sunday was special.
His three “stop” tackles only trail his teammate Mason Graham, first-rounder Kenneth Grant, and Miami’s Jordan Phillips. Impressive stuff and that doesn’t even mention his role on offense that is expanding as a blocker in “heavy” personnel settings or his special teams efforts in kickoff, punt coverage, and kickoff return. Exceptional work from the UDFA.
Stefanski spoke on Monday about Huntington’s effectiveness on both sides of the ball and the potential for an increased role. “Potentially. You know, with our players, we’re always looking for guys that can do different things and have versatility. And he’s playing good defense for us. He’s making a contribution on special teams, and obviously he’s making a contribution on offense as well. So, with young players, you always want to bring them along, but we’re always looking for guys that can give you versatility.”
Andrew Berry badly needed this class to help turn the narrative of the roster and perception from fans. Needless to say, things look promising.
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Awesome stuff guys. I have been a fan of Brad's since the early days, but his writing is on another level now. Keep up the amazing work guys...