This week, the NFL is gearing up for its annual awards ceremony, leading up to the highly anticipated Super Bowl on Sunday. The 15th edition of NFL Honors will occur on Thursday night, detailing which players will receive prestigious individual accolades for their performances throughout the season.
A spotlight will be on the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, with one player emerging as a standout favorite. This year’s odds from DraftKings Sportsbook indicate that Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, is the frontrunner.
Schwesinger, selected by the Browns as the 33rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has made an impressive impact in his rookie season. He recorded 67 solo tackles, ranking 16th in the league, and finished with a total of 157 combined tackles, placing him behind only five players in the NFL. His ability to tackle for loss also showcased his defensive prowess, as he ranked 27th in that category. Despite battling a high-ankle sprain, which led to his placement on injured reserve ahead of the Browns’ final game of the season, Schwesinger’s strong performance has made him a favorite for the award.
However, James Pearce Jr. from the Atlanta Falcons has made a compelling case for himself with a strong finish to the season. The 26th overall pick in the same draft, Pearce Jr. notched two sacks in the final game against the Saints, bringing his season total to 10.5 sacks—ranking him tied for 13th in the league. His late-season surge saw him achieve 10 of those sacks in just the last nine games. Yet, the question remains whether his contributions can rival Schwesinger’s overall impact on the defensive side of the ball.
As the NFL Honors approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see who ultimately takes home the award. The anticipation surrounding the event adds to the excitement of the upcoming Super Bowl, highlighting the remarkable talent present in the league today.