Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season has finally arrived, and the Cleveland Browns are ready to open their campaign at home against their divisional rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. After a long training camp and a competitive preseason, the team has made its final roster decisions and is prepared to roll into the regular season with a mix of proven veterans and a fresh group of rookies.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski couldn’t hide his excitement when asked about the team heading into Week 1.
“I’m excited for the football team. I’m excited for all the work that these guys have put in. It’s a group that has done everything we’ve asked them to do.”
A Rookie Class That Earned Its Place
The Browns head into the season with 12 rookies on their 53-man roster. While some will play larger roles than others, the overall message from Stefanski is clear: every rookie has earned their spot, and every one of them is expected to live up to the same standard as the veterans.
The identity of this Browns team is built on toughness, competitiveness, and hard work. Those traits were evident throughout training camp, where rookies consistently showed they could rise to the challenge.
“It’s been a really impressive rookie class in terms of preparedness and professionalism,” Stefanski said. “They’ve been about their business from the start, and they’ve responded well when we put them in tough spots.”
Spotlight on LB Carson Schwesinger
One name that continues to stand out is rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Not only did he make plays in practice and preseason games, but he also wore the green dot helmet, a sign of major trust from the coaching staff. That means he’s been tasked with helping run the defense and communicating calls on the field—no small responsibility for a first-year player.
Stefanski praised Schwesinger’s maturity and impact, noting that even veterans respect the way he prepares and executes. If his preseason performance translates to the regular season, he could quickly become a key piece of the defense.
Quarterback Depth Chart: Flacco, Gabriel, and Sanders
Another big question fans had was about the quarterback depth chart heading into the opener. Stefanski confirmed that Joe Flacco will lead the way as the starter, with rookie Dillon Gabriel named the backup. Gabriel earned the role by showing command of the offense during practices, joint sessions, and preseason games.
Stefanski described Gabriel as a young player who is “getting better and better,” highlighting both his game performances and the way he carries himself in practice.
As for third-string duties, rookie Shedeur Sanders will serve as the emergency quarterback in Week 1. While he won’t see the field unless unusual circumstances occur, the Browns are clearly developing both Gabriel and Sanders as future assets at the position.
Final Thoughts
With a dozen rookies on the roster, the Browns are leaning heavily on young talent in 2025. From Carson Schwesinger’s leadership role on defense to Dillon Gabriel’s rise as the QB2, this rookie class has already shown maturity beyond its years.
The expectations? Simple—play tough, stay competitive, and put in the hard work that defines this team. If the rookies continue to grow the way they did in camp, the Browns could be looking at a group that helps shape their future for years to come.
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