Browns: Cleveland gets funky with speedy wide receiver Anthony Schwartz

The Browns used their third-round pick to take speedy wide receiver, Anthony Schwartz

The Browns stepped away from the defensive buffet to close out their last pick on Friday by selecting Auburn wide receiver, Anthony Schwartz. The Auburn prospect is arguably the fastest player in the draft, regardless of position. His selection is a sign that Cleveland is aware they have a speed problem on offense and their investment in Schwartz is proof they want to fix that.

Posting an alleged 4.26 40-yard dash, Schwartz is was a player who many had on their boards but his lack of production made him more of a project than an immediate impact player. Since the Browns have Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., Donovan Peoples-Jones, KhaDarrell Hodge, and Rashard Higgins, Schwartz won’t need to be thrust into the spotlight immediately.

He had his best season in Auburn as a junior, and at just 20 years old, it’s a potential sign that as he matures physically and mentally, that he may continue to mature as a player as well.

Browns land possibly the fastest player in the draft

While the Browns have some reliable pass-catchers, for the most part, the one thing most of them don’t have is over-the-top speed to stretch a secondary. That lack of speed severely impacted the passing offense at times, with guys at times being unable to get open and make moves in the open field after the catch.

Now with Peoples-Jones and Schwartz, the Browns have some legitimate speed. Not to forget about Ryan Switzer, the speedy-returner who should get an opportunity in 2021.

The drafting of Schwartz may also be a sign that the Browns may be moving on from Beckham. As it stands right now, the team has seven receivers to play with, not to mention four tight ends. Someone’s going to be cut or traded, and it may be more than one at this rate.

Cleveland has six picks on the third day of the draft, and anything is possible.