Evaluating the Cleveland Browns Tight Ends
The Room Led By David Njoku Found Great Success As Season Went On
In a season where the Cleveland Browns suffered a first-round exit, there was a lot to be proud of. The Cleveland Browns tight ends were one of the many bright spots this season. Arguably the most surprising unit on the offense, they got better with time.
Whether it was blocking for a variety of running backs or gaining first downs, there was a lot to like and build on going into the 2024 season. The Browns tight ends had three players end their year with double-digit receptions. In a season that saw five quarterbacks start a game for the orange and brown, the Browns tight end room remained steady.
Led by the Chief
Tight end David Njoku, often referred to as the chief, had the best season of his career. In his seventh professional season, all with the Browns, Njoku set career bests in essentially every major statistical category. He had an elite season in the Browns tight end room for a team that often does not rely on that group.
Over the regular season where he played in 16 games, he had 81 receptions, 882 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns. In his final four regular season outings, he had games of 91, 104, and 134 yards, with four touchdowns over that span. This momentum carried into the postseason where he was, yet again, a lone bright spot for the team. Njoku led the Browns tight end room as he put together seven catches on 11 targets for 93 receiving yards.
Just a reminder that David Njoku set career highs in catches, yards, TDs, and YAC last season.
Prime 85 is upon us. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/s0boVkOd1e
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) January 28, 2024
The Other Browns Tight Ends
Jordan Akins, another member of the Browns tight end room, spent his previous five seasons with the Texans. His first year with the orange and brown was his worst year as a professional based on the numbers. Akins had just 23 targets, 15 receptions, and 132 yards on the year. He also had a slight uptick in usage as the season went on, having his only multi-catch games in two of the last three regular season games.
Harrison Bryant, another guy who has spent his entire career in Cleveland, finished his fourth season. It was his worst statistically as well, failing to get 233 receiving yards or more for the first time in his career. His role in the Browns tight end room was also minimized with the breaking out of Njoku.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson (1) to Harrison Bryant (2)
Cleveland Browns
2 yards pic.twitter.com/V8QHET6rVY— NFL TD Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) November 26, 2023
Additionally, he found similar success as the other members of the unit as the postseason crept in. He has his season-high in receptions (five) and yards (49) late in the season, as well as one of his three touchdowns. He had arguably his best game in the postseason. Bryant hauled in four catches on six targets for 65 receiving yards.
In an offseason that will bring some questions on the coaching staff and roster, the Browns tight end room will remain steady. With a younger player, middle-aged player, and veteran, the blend of experience covers all the bases. This group brings solid blocking, route running, and big-play ability. The quarterback under center next season will have their options from the group. While it is expected that a new receiver or two will be added, the Browns tight end room can remain the same, finishing the year with a solid grade.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
