Rookie receiver Anthony Schwartz hasn't been able to practice because of a hamstring injury and that has given more opportunities to Demetric Felton and now Davion Davis. (Cleveland Browns)
#HeyTony: Which receiver is benefitting most from Anthony Schwartz’s absence?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
Hey Tony: With [Anthony] Schwartz not participating, which receiver has the best chance at stealing his spot on the depth chart week 1 in KC?
-- Jean, Canton, OH
Hey Jean: I think the player who’s benefitted most from Schwartz’s absence has been rookie Demetric Felton. By getting more reps at receiver, he’s shown the coaches that slot receiver is his best position on offense. Another beneficiary has been Davion Davis, the pickup just before camp, who starred in the first preseason game. I think Schwartz could be a candidate for injured reserve unless he gets back on the field very soon.
Hey Tony: We all agree this is a talented, deep team that could be something special, but A: How much of this team's potential is based on talent and how much is based on quality depth? B: How many [Stephen] Carlsons can happen before we start to worry about that depth?
-- Rob, Brooklyn Heights, OH
Hey Rob: I’m not sure I understand your first question. I agree the roster is talented, but depth is relative to every position group. Right now, the depth at safety has been decimated by injuries. So that position is stretched pretty thin. As far as the tight end group, Carlson was a solid No. 4 and a core special teamer. He’ll be missed, but I think whomever the next man up turns out to be, they’ll be fine at tight end as long as the top three remain healthy.
Hey Tony: What positions or players will the Browns be looking for as other teams make cuts later this summer? Do you see any possible trades?
-- Terry, Portland, OR
Hey Terry: I don’t see any openings on this roster unless a rash of injuries hit over the next two weeks. I wouldn’t upset the apple cart. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I wouldn’t trade for anybody right now.
Hey Tony: Should we expect more impactful plays from special teams this year, specifically in the return game?
-- Evan, Dallas, TX
Hey Evan: JoJo Natson made a case in Jacksonville for making the team as full-time return specialist – punts and kickoffs. I never warmed to the returner-by-committee approach. Perhaps Natson could change that.
Hey Tony: Percentage chance DPJ passes [Rashard] Higgins as the number three receiver?
-- Leonard, Daytona Beach, FL
Hey Leonard: I think Donovan Peoples-Jones already has moved into the No. 3 receiver spot. He’s been balling since minicamp. Higgins and KhaDarel Hodge will get their opportunities, but DPJ’s strong showing is no fluke. I dubbed him a future star in June and haven’t changed my mind about him.
Hey Tony: Don’t you think Baker Mayfield should rank better than 71st on the #NFLTop100 list?
-- Josh, Willowick, OH
Hey Josh: I haven’t paid much attention to this player popularity contest. Your question made me check out the players revealed so far. I see where Justin Herbert was voted No. 56. I like Herbert and think he’s going to be a winner. But any list that puts him 15 spots ahead of Mayfield at this point in their careers should be taken with a grain of salt.
Hey Tony: Who is in the lead for the Browns fullback position or do you think will have two?
-- Michael, Galion, OH
Hey Michael: Incumbent starter Andy Janovich continues to run with the first team. I don’t think that’s going to change. Johnny Stanton played at Nebraska and UNLV and was transitioned to fullback with the Vikings. He looks like he can handle the traditional fullback role, but I don’t see him beating out Janovich at this point. I would think the Browns would like to return him to the practice squad, if possible.
Hey Tony: Do you think Takk [McKinley] is going to retire? His absence is very odd.
-- Josh, Galena, OH
Hey Josh: I’ve been told that McKinley is going through a health issue and does not intend to retire. Nevertheless, his absence is hurting his development in the Joe Woods defense.
Hey Tony: Two questions, why don't we have a logo at midfield? Why don't we have a Paul Brown statue? Thoughts?
-- RC, Las Vegas, NV
Hey RC: I think they add the logo for the regular season. As for the PB statue, don’t get me started. He alone created the Browns dynasty in the 1940s-50s and of course was a coaching pioneer in the NFL. He should have been immortalized in a statue before anyone. When it comes to the Cleveland Browns, everything starts with Paul Brown.
Hey Tony: On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about [Grant] Delpit?
-- Terry, Cleveland Heights, OH
Hey Terry: Worried about being a significant contributor this year? Seven. Worried about ever being a significant contributor? Four.
Hey Tony: With Grant Delpit’s health in question yet again combined with Ronnie Harrison’s injuries, can you foresee the Browns bringing back Andrew Sendejo since he has familiarity with the scheme? To the fans chagrin, the coaching staff seemed to like him.
-- Jerry, Concord, OH
Hey Jerry: I do not see it as a possibility. I think Jovante Moffatt is earning the trust of the coaches as a replacement.
