The Cleveland Browns have many issues to address with the NFL Draft looming. Some of these concerns have been addressed already via free agency, but some such as the tight end room could be improved.
The tight end room is not a huge issue at the moment but could be bolstered with a later pick. Tight end David Njoku is coming off a career year where he hit career highs across the board. Njoku finished last season with 123 targets, 81 receptions, 882 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
The number-two tight end from last season, Harrison Bryant, is no longer on the team. Third-stringer Jordan Akins is 31 and had just 132 yards last season, his first with the team.
The tight end room is currently rounded out by Zaire Mitchell-Paden and Giovanni Ricci. Mitchell-Paden was a practice squad player who saw snaps in one game. Ricci was signed from the Panthers, after 102 yards in three seasons with the team. He may be used more as a tight end for the group.
Here are a few players who could spark a room that is trending on the old side.
Three Additions to the Browns Tight End Room in the Draft
Ja’Tavion Sanders Brings Size to the Tight End Room
Ja’Tavion Sanders out of Texas is a player who could be added later in the draft. He had two impressive seasons as a Longhorn the past two seasons.
In 2022 he totaled 54 receptions for 613 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Last season he had 45 receptions for 682 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
These numbers are all the more impressive considering how stacked of an offense he was in. His top two receivers are both projected to go well before him in the draft. Sanders is a consistent player who could learn behind the current tight ends in the room.
Full Ja’Tavion Sanders Scouting Report
Ben Sinnott
Ben Sinnott is similar to Sanders and has been said to have the best ball of his career ahead of him. Sanders spent three seasons at Kansas State, with his last two being productive.
He had 31 receptions for 447 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his sophomore season. Sinnott followed that up last season with 49 receptions for 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Ben Sinnott.
TE2 of 2024 class.
Elite athleticism, well-rounded, as both blocker and a pass catcher.
– 2nd PFF receiving grade
– 2nd Receiving yards
– 4th in YPRR
– 3rd in MTF
– 3rd in 1st downs created— Elite Drafters (@Elite_Drafters) April 8, 2024
Sinnott is a good blocker and also a very versatile player. He could bring a unique skill set and playmaking to a tight end room that struggles with that when Njoku is not in.
Full Ben Sinnott Scouting Report
Theo Johnson Brings Strength
Theo Johnson spent four seasons at Penn State including a redshirt season. He was also in an offense packed with talent, and one that was run-heavy.
He still managed to put up at least 19 catches and 213 receiving yards in his past three seasons, including 12 touchdowns.
October 28, 2023: Theo Johnson makes the adjustment for a 16 yard TD catch in a 33-24 win over Indiana
— Penn State Play a Day (@PSUPlayADay) April 3, 2024
Johnson is 6’6 and could be a great red zone threat and be useful in a multi-tight-end package.
Full Theo Johnson Scouting Report
With Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku emerging as a top-ten tight end in the league, the starting spot is locked in. However, the tight end room could use a new number two option for a team that is known to have plenty of plays with two or three tight ends in the game.
Main Image: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
