2021 Cleveland Browns 53-man roster breakdown: Wide Receiver

Second-Tier Receivers

This is another group that seems to be well set after the production we were able to see from last year. With Hodge being receiver number six, I see receivers three, four, and five being Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and rookie Anthony Schwartz in that order.

Higgins is a fan favorite, and after a disappointing 2019, he bounced back with 599 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2020. Higgins and Baker Mayfield seem to have a real connection which will allow him to see a good number of targets in 2021. Although he lacks the speed to get open in man-to-man coverage, he is tremendous at finding holes in the zone and sitting down for his quarterback to find.

One of the bigger surprises in 2020 was rookie Peoples-Jones (DPJ).  After a disappointing collegiate career at Michigan after being a highly recruited high school player, DPJ had great production for a sixth-round pick. On 20 targets he had 14 receptions for 304 yards and 2 touchdowns. While the numbers weren’t off the chart, he had two of the biggest plays of the years with a 75-yard touchdown vs. the Titans and a game-winning touchdown vs. the Bengals.

Schwartz was the Browns third-round pick this year, and I don’t think the team waisted a pick to not at least see him on the field. Schwartz has elite speed and will likely be used in a similar role as Natson was brought in for.

While he will get a chance at kick returns and gadget plays, he also has the frame and skill set to be a deep threat as well. Don’t expect anything major as a rookie, but he will likely get a few looks in vertical routes and could be a big piece of the puzzle in upcoming years.