Cleveland Browns nominees for each 2021 NFL award
By Nick Swanson
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Anthony Schwartz
This is the definition of the term “slim pickings” here for the Browns as they have only brought in four offensive players via the 2021 NFL Draft and the players that went undrafted. The candidates for this award are third-round receiver Anthony Schwartz, fourth-round offensive lineman James Hudson, sixth-round running back/wide receiver Demetric Felton, and undrafted free agent running back Tre Harbison III.
It’s safe to rule out James Hudson because the chances of an offensive lineman winning the award aren’t great at all. If Quenton Nelson couldn’t win rookie of the year, it’ll be hard for any offensive lineman to do it.
As a UDFA, there are very low expectations for Tre Harbison III. If the starters see any major injuries, we could see Harbison potentially take offensive snaps but not enough to earn him the honors. The news that Demetric Felton may be used as a running back increased his stock tremendously from special teams player to potential RB3 on the team.
For the Browns, the frontrunner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award is going to be Anthony Schwartz. Schwartz is WR4 currently but with another major injury to either Odell Beckham Jr. or Jarvis Landry, that could vault him into the starting role.
Nothing really more than a speedster, Schwartz should just spend a majority of his time as a return specialist and making an appearance on offense every once in a while. If Schwartz does see significant time, he could surprise the league.