Browns minicamp

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz is heading into his third season.

(John Kuntz John Kuntz)

BEREA, Ohio – Mitchell Schwartz began the first day of Browns’ voluntary minicamp at his familiar right-tackle spot on Tuesday.

The third-year pro has neither heard of a possible move to guard nor is seeking one. Whether that changes might depend on what happens in the 2014 NFL Draft. If the Browns were to use a high pick – Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews, anyone? – on a tackle it could impact Schwartz’s immediate future with the club.

“I have only played tackle here for two years and going back into college (at Cal),” Schwartz said. “O-line coaches always preach ‘best five on the field,’ regardless of position so if it needs to happen, of course, I would do it. But obviously, I’m more comfortable at tackle.”

Coach Mike Pettine said at the NFL owners meeting that moving Schwartz inside is a possibility depending on what the Browns do in the draft. If they selected Robinson (Auburn) or Matthews (Texas A&M) at No.4 overall that rookie tackle also would be viewed as the long-term successor to All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas, who turns 30 in December.

Pettine was asked about Schwartz again on Tuesday.

“At this camp he will be at tackle,” the rookie coach said. “We will assess where we are after this camp and then post draft .. . I always like to cross-train guys, always be in the business of having your best five out there. If a guard can learn to play center, if a left tackle can learn to play right . . . I think the more versatile you can be with all your guys, especially if you’re only going to dress seven, or dress eight, those guys who are not in there have to be able to play multiple spots.

“Mitchell was a guy we were happy with what he put on tape last year. We’ll potentially address it in the draft, but I don’t see tackle right now as a position of need.”

Schwartz started slowly in each of his first two years, but improved as the seasons unfurled. ProFootballFocus.com rated Schwartz as the league’s 11th-best right tackle who started at least 15 games at the position.

It's believed the previous coaching staff also was toying with the idea of trying Schwartz at guard.

“I know it’s a cliche when you hear, ‘things are slowing down,’” Schwartz said regarding a player adjusting to the speed of the game. “But it really is true having played the position here for two years.”