How Does Anthony Schwartz Make Browns Opening Day Roster?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Anthony Schwartz is on the outside looking in when it comes to making the opening day roster. If Schwartz wants to make the roster he must consistently hold onto the football so he can use his speed to create explosive plays and stay healthy.

It’s true, Schwartz has simply struggled with drops throughout the preseason. In addition, he sustained an injury this past week in practice that doesn't appear to be too severe but is still noteworthy. He has dealt with hamstring injuries in the past. 

"The one thing about Anthony is we know he’s had some tough times along the way since he’s been here at Cleveland, and he’s been resilient,” receivers coach Chad O'Shea said "He really has. And that’s one of the things that I think he’s had to learn how to do, is to bounce back from maybe some adversity. So that’s the good part, is he’s been through some adversity. He’s already had some adversity at this camp with injuries and maybe not being as consistent on the field as he wants to be.”

Schwartz has struggled since a great first game against the Chiefs in 2021 (three catches for 69 yards). He's recorded just 282 yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns in his first two seasons while dealing with simply catching the ball and staying on the field healthy. However, he did show off his abilities in joint practices, able to get behind the defense and create instant offense. He followed that up with his best preseason game to this point even as he didn't get to show off his speed with the ball in his hands.

That speed is part of the reason Schwartz can make the team. His 4.25 40-yard dash time just shows the quickness and ability the wideout has to get open down the field for a quarterback to find him for a completion. The Browns have made it a priority to find that type of weapon, but all that speed doesn't matter if he can't catch the ball. Schwartz is also a weapon on special teams. He's been an excellent gunner on punt and can help on kickoff coverage as well. It's difficult to get a return against the Browns when Schwartz can get down the field that fast.

The Browns have a crowded wide receiver room which is bad news for Schwartz. This includes players on the bubble to make the roster such as Austin Watkins Jr. Just against the Eagles, Watkins caught seven passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in the previous preseason game. Watkins doesn't offer much position versatility and hasn't contributed on special teams to this point, but that type of impact could warrant a roster spot.

The final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs will allow Schwartz one final opportunity to make his case. It doesn't all come down to one preseason performance as it's the body of work, but it's still a chance for Schwartz to show that the week against the Eagles allowed him to build some momentum. If he puts together a clean game that allows him to make plays with his speed, it could propel him to make the active roster. That type of speed affords a player like Schwartz a ton of chances. even if he's waived, expect Schwartz to land with another team, possibly multiple other teams as someone tries to get him to realize his potential.

Austin Watkins Jr. provides steep competition, but there are other players such as Jakeem Grant Sr. and Jaelon Darden that could warrant consideration as well. This could be Schwartz's final game in a Browns uniform.