It might not get the sizzling attention of a battle for a starting spot, but the Cleveland Browns appear to have quite a fight brewing for the reserve “speed” wide receiver spot. Second-year wideout Donovan Peoples-Jones and third-round rookie Anthony Schwartz figure to square off for the position in Browns training camp and preseason.
Both are long-striding, outside-the-numbers vertical threats as receivers. Schwartz wins the footrace battle, but that’s not because Peoples-Jones and his 4.47 40-yard dash is slow; the rookie is a world-class sprinter who once held the world record in his age group.
Quick note: We’re not ignoring KhaDarel Hodge here. Hodge is a very different type of receiver and invaluable on special teams. That’s part of why Peoples-Jones and Schwartz are fighting for the same roster spot.
In his rookie campaign, Peoples-Jones proved he had some viable NFL talent. He caught 14 passes (20 targets) for 314 yards and two touchdowns. That’s decent production from a limited role and playing just 25 percent of offensive snaps. He’s a good leaper and strong at the catch point, and his blocking proved acceptable enough on the outside.
Schwartz was better in college at gaining quick separation against man coverage than Peoples-Jones was during his Michigan tenure. He’s capable of blowing the top off the defense on any play. But in terms of route running, blocking and precision, he’s well behind his competitor. The blazing speed is a valuable trump card in Schwartz’s favor, however.
The decision could come down to special teams. While Demetric Felton projects as the primary return specialist, both Peoples-Jones and Schwartz figure to get opportunities in camp as well. “DPJ” was moderately effective as a punt returner in 2020 (77 yards on 18 returns) but proved pretty easy to tackle as well. His superior strength and physicality offer more potential in coverage units.