Dawgs By Nature
ESPN’s survey adds another Browns player to their Top 10 list, this time at the tight end position
The heat continues to pound the great State of Ohio as summer rolls on, while the NFL remains in the pause before the storm that is training camp. The time between the end of OTAs and mandatory minicamp and the start of the Cleveland Browns training camp has really been about the new stadium, QB conversations and rankings.
Earlier this week, DE Myles Garrett was far and away ranked as the top edge rusher in the NFL on ESPN’s annual survey of league personnel. Despite low overall expectations for the Browns, especially the playmakers on the roster, Cleveland is not bereft of top-flight talent.
ESPN’s survey series continues with power ranking the tight ends, which includes the Browns David Njoku ranked 10th overall:
Njoku realized his enormous potential in 2023 with 882 yards, six touchdowns and a Pro Bowl nod despite playing with four different quarterbacks.
“He’s figured it out,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “Before he was just an athlete with physical tools, but he’s evolved into a pro tight end who had more nuance to his game as a route runner and more coverage awareness.”
After the 2023 season, Njoku was ranked four spots higher, which shows how important quarterback play is for pass catchers. While Jameis Winston threw for a lot of yards, Njoku had 26 fewer targets in 2024 than the previous season.
With Joe Flacco returning and likely starting, Njoku’s numbers could shoot back up. In five games with Flacco in 2023, Njoku was targeted a total of 45 times and had his two best yardage games (104 and 134).
Goldilocks question: Do you think the league personnel are too high, too low, or just right in their ranking of the Browns tight end?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
