David Njoku has had an interesting career so far for the Cleveland Browns. Entering his fifth season, the tight end is second on an impressive list.
Tight end is a very difficult position to adjust to at the NFL level. Given the changes at the quarterback position and offensive schemes, it is not surprising that Njoku hasn’t shown significant, consistent growth during his time in Cleveland.
The Browns brought in Austin Hooper in free agency and drafted Harrison Bryant last year to provide Njoku competition despite also picking up the former Miami products fifth-year option.
Njoku’s snap count and production slowly went up as the season progressed in 2020 but he only had 19 receptions and 213 yards receiving on the year. Couple that with only playing four games in 2019, it is quite surprising to see him near the top of this list:
Most Receiving 1st Downs/TDs by a TE before the age of 25 since 2006 (regular season):
1. BAL Mark Andrews – 108
2. CLE David Njoku – 60
3. DET T.J. Hockenson – 59🦁
4. DEN Noah Fant – 57TE is known for having slow starts in the NFL but Hockenson has had an immediate impact https://t.co/KMf3oqVmaL
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) June 29, 2021
The caveat of “since 2006” obviously plays an important role but a 15 season sample is still something to stand on.
With only 112 receptions during his four-year career, over half of them have led to first downs or touchdowns. The list is also a reminder of just how young he was when the Browns drafted him. Njoku will turn 25 in July, playing the entirety of his fifth season in the NFL at that age.
Njoku may not have lived up to the first-round selection that was used on him but he has made the most of the catches he has made. If he breaks out in 2021, Cleveland could have a difficult decision to make as he enters free agency after the season.
