3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
By Randy Gurzi
Lesser role needed: Anthony Schwartz, WR
In need of someone with the ability to stretch the defense, the Cleveland Browns added Auburn wideout Anthony Schwartz in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Schwartz possessed sub 4.3 speed but was far from a finished product.
The Browns believed they could teach him proper route running and at first, it seemed as though they would get a solid return on their investment.
In his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs, Schwartz was filling in for an injured Odell Beckham, Jr. and hauled in a 44-yard pass on his very first target. He ended up with 69 yards that day on just three receptions.
However, he fell off the map after this. He had just seven more receptions for 66 yards for the rest of the season. Then in 11 games in 2022, he had just four receptions for 51 yards.
Now, after two seasons in the NFL, there are already serious questions about Schwartz. While it was known that he would be a developmental player, he has yet to take a step in the right direction. And without a deep wide receiver corps, he could be taking the place of someone who really might be able to contribute one day.
That’s why even though his role was short in 2022, Schwartz needs even less time in 2023.
