If you’re an NFL team in need of a speedy pass catcher this spring then you’re in luck. Auburn’s Anthony Schwartz may be the fastest wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Furthermore, he may be the fastest player in the draft, period. Can he develop that speed into being a dangerous weapon in the NFL?
Anthony Schwartz NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Auburn
- Current Year: Junior
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 186 pounds
Tony Pauline’s Anthony Schwartz Scouting Report
Positives: Game-breaking receiver with home-run-hitting speed. Immediately gets to top speed, plays to his 40 time and beats opponents downfield in foot races. Extends his hands, looks the ball in, and makes the reception away from his frame. Displays the ability to make the difficult over-the-shoulder reception downfield. Solid route runner, fires into breaks and stays low on exit to separate from opponents. Flashes strong hands and the ability to pull the ball from the air.
[sv slug=”drizly”]Negatives: Not a big-framed receiver and gets easily brought down at the point by a single defender. Double-catches too many throws. Struggles finding the ball in the air at times.
Analysis: Schwartz is a terrific athlete with a second gear and the ability to break big plays, yet he needs to polish and complete his game. He comes with a large upside, and if properly coached, Schwartz could develop into a third receiver at the next level.
Anthony Schwartz Player Profile
Anthony Schwartz is just one prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft class that heralds from American Heritage High School in Florida. A member of a team that won consecutive Class 5A State Championships, he played for former NFL cornerback Patrick Surtain. Schwartz even dabbled in the defensive backfield for Surtain, although he was at his most dangerous as a wide receiver and running back.
In fact, he was at his most dangerous on the track. His blazing speed was demonstrated as a high school junior when he set a 10.15 seconds 100 meter sprint time. He was named the Broward County Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2017.
Featured | NFL Draft Prospects 2021: Pauline’s updated big board, player rankings
Subsequently, he followed that with the Gatorade National Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year award in 2018. He helped guide the USA to a gold medal in the 4×100 meter relay at the 2018 U20 World Championships.
That’s the level of speed that he brings to the table. As a result, he was a heavily recruited high school prospect. Rated as the 30th wide receiver in the class, and 28th player in the state of Florida, he fielded offers from across the nation.
By mid-July 2017, he had narrowed it down to six finalists with Florida leading the way. However, at the 2018 Under Armour All-America Game he announced his commitment to Auburn saying that it gave him the best chance to succeed at track and football.
Anthony Schwartz’s college football career at Auburn
Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz made an immediate impact with the explosive skill set that makes him an intriguing 2021 NFL Draft prospect. Although he made his debut against Washington, it was his second game against Alabama State that caught the early eye. With 3 catches and 3 rushes, he rattled up over 100 all-purpose yards and 2 touchdowns.
Similar to high school, the Tigers used him out of the backfield and as a wide receiver. As a result, the true freshman racked up 5 rushing touchdowns and 2 receiving touchdowns. Those included a season-long 76-yard touchdown against Tennessee and a 9-yard rushing touchdown in his first experience of the famous “Iron Bowl” rivalry game with Alabama.
Despite a pre-season thumb injury that hampered his sophomore season, he continued to impress
In his second appearance of the season, Schwartz put his speed to good use on a 57-yard touchdown run in a win over Texas A&M. Another touchdown run came the following week in a win over Mississippi State. Even though his all-purpose production fell just shy of his freshman season, he hauled in a career-high 9 catches against Ole Miss.
He further topped that in his junior season with 10 catches against Arkansas in the first 100-yard receiving game of his career. Used sparingly in the ground game as a junior, he was able to demonstrate his ability as a true receiver.
Featured | Schulte’s March 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
The most impressive example of the big play, offensive weapon that he can be, came against Louisiana State. He secured a 91-yard touchdown as part of a career-high 123-yard day. The incredible performance included a 91-yard touchdown.
Prior to Auburn’s 2020 bowl game, the wide receiver opted to sit out. Soon after, Anthony Schwartz announced his decision to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft. During Auburn’s Pro Day, Schwartz demonstrated his incredible speed by posting an unofficial, hand-timed 40 yard dash of 4.26.
Anthony Schwartz’s best fits in the 2021 NFL Draft
It’s easy to assume that a vertical passing offense offers the best fit for Anthony Schwartz in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, his offensive versatility means he could be utilized in any offense. Of course, his ability to get behind the secondary as a deep threat is incredibly dangerous. He can also be devastating on underneath routes given his ability to take snaps out of the backfield and contribute in motion on jet sweeps, etc.
Want more 2021 NFL Draft prospect news? Want to do your own mock draft?
Dive into PFN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and test your own drafting acumen. Continue to visit Pro Football Network for NFL news and in-depth analysis. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter (@PFN365) to stay in the loop on all things college football and the NFL Draft landscape.
Oliver Hodgkinson is a staff writer for Pro Football Network. You can follow him on Twitter at @ojhodgkinson.