Grading the Cleveland Browns 2021 NFL Draft picks

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AUBURN, AL – SEPTEMBER 8: Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz #5 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with fans after scoring a touchdown in the first half during their game against the Alabama State Hornets at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick 28 – WR Anthony Schwartz

The Browns needed some speed at the receiver to help complement Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, and KhaDarrell Hodge and they got it in the third-round with Auburn wideout Anthony Schwartz. The receiver from Auburn has a wicked 40-yard dash with a time of 4.26. That’s not just fast, that’s liquid fast.

Schwartz will have a crowded receiver corp to contend with, however. Hodge and Higgins may not be starters but they’re going to get some real reps. Then you have guys like Donovan Peoples-Jones and Ryan Switzer, the other two fastest players in the corp.

Then there’s also the uncertainty of Odell Beckham Jr., who himself was once a fast player but after all the injuries he’s more than likely lost a step or two. The Browns have seemingly used this draft with eyes on 2023 or later, by getting guys who may one day replace the high-priced players ahead of them.

If the Browns do let guys like Landry and Beckham walk in the next year or two, Schwartz is going to be a guy the team will want to see if he can replace that production.

Grade: A

He’s not the complete package as a receiver, could run his routes better but considering his speed and where he landed, yeah, it’s a good get.

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