The Cleveland Browns were a tight-end heavy team under Kevin Stefanski in 2020. The Browns head coach and offensive play-caller likes having multiple tight ends on the field as often as possible to assist with run blocking, expand the defense’s gaps while still providing pass-catching options.
Despite that, the Browns tight end room was underwhelming last season. Austin Hooper led the way with 46 receptions for 435 yards after signing the biggest tight end contract in the league (at the time). Rookie Harrison Bryant had 24 receptions for 238 yards while David Njoku only had 19 receptions for 213 yards but led the way with 11.2 yards per reception.
With Cleveland being loaded with weapons including the returning Odell Beckham Jr. and the start of training camp Donovan Peoples-Jones showing great improvement, it could be easy to discount the tight end room in 2021.
Instead, it is the loaded weapons at receiver and running back, along with the great offensive line that could open up things for Hooper, Njoku and Bryant. Baker Mayfield was highly successful targetting tight ends at Oklahoma and, with a second year in Stefanski’s system, should have a better feel for where his pass-catchers will thrive.
Despite relative struggles in 2020, the trio will still be given a chance with a lot of 12 (one running back, two tight ends) and 13 (one running back, three tight ends) personnel this year. At the Orange and Browns scrimmage, they put on a show especially Njoku and Bryant:
Baker Mayfield finds David Njoku for the TD. #Browns pic.twitter.com/kqJF86Yd8u
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) August 8, 2021
Case Kennum to Harrison Bryant for 6. #Browns pic.twitter.com/vWVxAan5M5
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 8, 2021
Case Keenum finds David Njoku to end the practice. #Browns pic.twitter.com/W0VvWKzKF8
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) August 8, 2021
Case Keenum finds David Njoku to end the practice. #Browns pic.twitter.com/W0VvWKzKF8
— clevelanddotcom (@clevelanddotcom) August 8, 2021
Last year, they combined for under 900 yards receiving combined. Can the Browns tight ends end up over 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns?
If the Browns tight ends are able to make big, explosive plays in 2021, opposing defenses will struggle to figure out how to defend the Cleveland offense. The trio is likely to find a lot of time on the field and be given opportunities to do so.
