Top Takeaways From the Hall Of Fame Game

By Lenny Chung on August 4, 2023

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It wasn’t exactly Aaron Rodgers versus Deshaun Watson, but Thursday night’s NFL preseason opener was still a lot of fun.  The final results are essentially irrelevant at this time of year, but the Cleveland Browns got a nice win and learned a few things about the 2023 version of their team.

Can Dorian Thompson-Robinson Be the Browns’ Equivalent to Tyler Huntley?

DTR did everything that was asked of him and then some in last night’s comeback victory.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson in his first game as a Cleveland Brown:

• 8/11 passing (72.7%)
• 82 passing yards
• 1 passing TD
• 38 rushing yards
• led 2 TD drives (one 93 yards)
• 21-16 win

The UCLA legend finds some impressive success in his first NFL game.

The Browns may… pic.twitter.com/hXV1AR7l2Y

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 4, 2023

The dual threat showed up in relief of Kellen Mond, who had a decent game in his own right. With Thompson-Robinson, however, the Browns kept the offense moving and didn’t turn the ball over. He only threw three incompletions, two of which were drops. DTR led two critical touchdown drives that helped the Browns complete the comeback.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson has a live arm, above-average mobility, and ability to provide a spark in case the starter goes down. The rookie out of UCLA showed he has the potential to possibly lead the Browns’ offense should something happen to Deshaun Watson, just like Tyler Huntley has done in Baltimore over the last couple seasons. 

Demetric Felton Has Juice

Thompson-Robinson wasn’t the only UCLA product to ball out last night.

Demetric Felton, the Browns’ 2021 sixth-round pick, totaled seven rushes for 46 yards in the win. His biggest run of the night was a 16-yard touchdown that swung the game in Cleveland’s favor.

Demetric Felton needs to make this roster #DawgPound. pic.twitter.com/aQXA5nEzAp

— Faithful Dawgs Podcast (@FDPodcastCLE) August 4, 2023

While Felton saw limited action in 2022, this season may be a different story. Nick Chubb is obviously the starter, but the rest of the preseason gives the agile running back an opportunity to earn himself a spot as a key role player, replacing the highly productive Kareem Hunt.

Dawand Jones Was A Steal In the Fourth Round

Dawand Jones was among the most polarizing players in this year’s draft. His size and measurables were off the charts (6’8”, 376 lbs.). When he was given time, his night was as good as it gets.

Dawand Jones in his NFL debut:

🟠 35 pass-blocking snaps
🟠 0 pressures allowed

Draft steal? 👀 pic.twitter.com/qLtpXdOp46

— PFF (@PFF) August 4, 2023

Some pundits predicted the Ohio State product would be drafted as high as late in the first round. While Jack Conklin is firmly entrenched at the top of the depth chart at right tackle, Dawand Jones is an excellent insurance policy should anything happen to Conklin.

Anthony Schwartz May Have Worn Out His Welcome

This past offseason, the Browns went on a wide receiver shopping spree by trading for Elijah Moore, signing Marquise Goodwin, and selecting Cedric Tillman in the third round of the draft. With all that, the Browns still wanted to give 2021 third-round pick Anthony Schwartz a chance to make the roster.

In the game, Schwartz caught one pass for seven yards. However, after that completion, he coughed up the ball. The New York Jets promptly recovered and marched down the field for a field goal.

.@JamienSherwood forces it, @Jav__K picks it up!@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC pic.twitter.com/WdbnhiOW0v

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 4, 2023

It was a tough moment for a player who was fighting for a depth chart spot to begin with.

In two seasons, Schwartz only has 14 catches for 186 receiving yards. With several receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, it may not make sense to keep the third year Auburn product.

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