4 potential post-June 1 cuts the Commanders should monitor in 2023

Commanders should monitor Anthony Schwartz

Now we’re talking world-class speed. As a teenager, Anthony Schwartz broke the world youth record at 100 meters. At Auburn, he was able to at least partly translate that into on-field productivity, both catching and running.

But ever since the Cleveland Browns chose him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Schwartz has done almost nothing, missing close to a quarter of their games and managing a total of 14 receptions.

The Browns acquired Elijah Moore from the New York Jets this off-season to play alongside Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and last year’s third-round pick David Bell. Assuming kick returner extraordinaire Jakeem Grant can return from his Achilles injury, there doesn’t seem to be room for a player like Schwartz this year.

On a separate note, if Grant is healthy but the Browns decide to go in another direction due to his age – he’ll turn 31 years old during the upcoming season – the Washington Commanders should jump on him as a short-term solution to their kick returner position.

I’m more intrigued by Schwartz than any of the receivers on this list. He is the closest thing the Commanders are apt to find to Curtis Samuel, given his ability to run out of the backfield.

Even though Schwartz's skill set is somewhat limited, his 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash doesn’t come around every day. Eric Bieniemy eventually came to realize what Mecole Hardman could and couldn’t do in Kansas City. He was a great returner. He could run some gadget plays. He could be a decoy and clear some space in the secondary. Unfortunately, he just isn’t a very good receiver, something I fear the New York Jets are about to find out.

But on a team with other good receivers, he had a part to play. Schwartz might have a similar role in Washington.