Mitchell Schwartz capped his fourth year since leaving the Browns with a Super Bowl ring. (Ron Schwane/Associated Press)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: We all get that not having a franchise QB for 20 years has been the biggest problem, but do you think letting Mitchell Schwartz walk was one of the biggest mistakes since the return?
-- Tommy, New Albany, OH
Hey Tommy: In the four seasons since leaving the Browns for Kansas City, Schwartz never made the Pro Bowl but has made the AP All-Pro team four times, which is a greater honor. Oh, and he just earned a Super Bowl ring. In four seasons with the Browns, he never missed a snap. I don’t know what more you could want from a non-quarterback. Yes, letting him leave was certainly in the top five blunders in Browns expansion era history.
Hey Tony: Do David Njoku and Rashard Higgins have legs-up over Damion Ratley, Stephen Carlson, and Ricky Seals-Jones since Andrew Berry was in the front office when they were drafted?
-- Matt, Brooklyn, NY
Hey Matt: First, Njoku is under contract and I would fully expect to return; Higgins is an unrestricted free agent and I would expect him to test the market. When it comes to roster decisions, Berry said, “It is not about how they were acquired, who drafted them or who signed them. They are all Browns, and we intend to embrace all of our players that way. It is not a ‘my guy’ or ‘his guy.’ I want great players that fit the profile that we need on the field and the great players that will fit the profile of what we want off the field.” Now, when it comes to who plays ahead of whom, that call’s made by the coach.
Hey Tony: With the signing of our new fullback, do you see Hunt’s role decreasing or do you believe our new offensive scheme will have Chubb, Hunt and the fullback all out there at the same time?
-- Aaron, Mansfield, OH
Hey Aaron: I don’t see a full-house backfield. Hunt’s role will depend on him restoring confidence in his willingness to comply with the team’s off-field expectatons.
Hey Tony: Is this coming season the hardest to predict in the expansion era?
-- Paul, Toledo, OH
Hey Paul: With another new GM, another change in way of evaluating players and another new coaching staff, no doubt the offseason player moves will be hard to predict. We’ll reserve comment on the season record until training camp.
Hey Tony: Should the Browns franchise tag Joe Schobert if they can't come to a contract agreement?
-- Bryan, Niles, OH
Hey Bryan: Franchising Schobert would be more expensive on the 2020 salary cap than doing a multi-year deal. I don’t see that happening. I’m doubtful a new deal is done for Schobert. Although they hold exclusive negotiating rights until March 18, it made much more sense to get the deal done before the end of 2019 so that a year of pro-rated signing bonus could be attached to the ’19 cap.
Hey Tony: Do the Browns draft a LB with the 10th pick?
-- Broc, Hannibal, OH
Hey Broc: No way.
Hey Tony: What are the chances Andrew Berry goes after some OL in free agency and the draft? Are we signing Schobert or not?
-- Tim, Medina, OH
Hey Tim: I would expect an offensive tackle would be pursued in free agency and then another in the draft. I believe the ship may have sailed on re-signing Schobert.
Hey Tony: Player in free agency you would like to see the Browns pursue?
-- AJ, Willoughby, OH
Hey AJ: Anthony Castonzo of the Colts would be nice, but pricey. He talked of considering retirement following his ninth NFL season, but a big payday would probably convince him to keep playing. He’s probably the best and most reliable offensive tackle available. I’d be surprised if the Colts let him walk.
Hey Tony: Who would you say is the best OL pick for the Browns at No. 10 in terms of talent, potential, etc.
-- George, Montreal, Quebec
Hey George: I am partial to B1G Ten offensive linemen. Thus, my way-too-early favorite would be Tristan Wirfs of Iowa.
Hey Tony: Do you think new DC Joe Woods will keep Myles Garrett in his familiar end position, or start playing him in a 3-4 as an outside linebacker?
-- Tim, Ladera Ranch, CA
Hey Tim: I’d expect Garrett to remain as a hand-in-the-dirt, 4-3 defensive end.
Hey Tony: Your way-too-early prediction: Do the Browns win more games this season than last season?
-- Mike, Warren, OH
Hey Mike: Yes.
Hey Tony: What happens when OBJ says he’s not coming to OTAs?
-- Ty, Adelphi, OH
Hey Ty: Joe Thomas will support him and say, “Nobody knows Odell better than Odell.”
Hey Tony: What is the number 1 Browns question you hate getting asked?
-- Joe, Chicago, IL
Hey Joe: Far and away, it is this one: When will the new uniforms be revealed?