Nov 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Randall Telfer (82) runs past Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns reached a contract agreement with tight end Randall Telfer on Thursday, according to the team’s website.
Telfer is the first of the team’s 12 draft picks to sign a deal.
Telfer completed his college career with 65 catches and 12 touchdowns after catching 12 passes and two touchdowns in 2014. Telfer battled leg injuries during his time at USC, receiving the Chris Carlisle Courage Award after working his way back onto the field after his injury.
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The one thing that Telfer has going for him is that he is a willing and effective run blocker, which means he will fit right in with the Browns offensive philosophy of running the ball. We just have to wonder how many blocking tight ends the Browns can have on the roster, as Telfer joins Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray as block-first tight ends, with Rob Housler and draft pick Malcolm Johnson filling out the pass-catching portion of the position.
“Being a well-rounded tight end and bringing a physicality to the table. I think that’s one thing I can definitely bring to the Browns,” Telfer told the team’s website after being drafted. “I’m a very physical run blocker, a very physical blocker in general. It’s one of my biggest strong suits and one of my biggest assets.”
According to his NFL.com profile, Telfer is:
"“Aggressive and determined run blocker who says he learned his aggressiveness from former Trojan tight end Rhett Ellison. Uses outstanding hand placement to strike and sustain in run game. Able to base block or work in zone scheme. Plays with football intelligence. Shows willingness to do whatever it takes to get his guy blocked. Willing to play and practice through pain. Gets all the meat off the bone in catch-and-run situations, looking to put his shoulder down and finish rather than juke.”"
Telfer was selected with a pick acquired in a trade the Browns made with the Arizona Cardinals. He was projected for either the seventh round or as an undrafted free agent.
What do you think of Randall Telfer’s chances of making the Browns final roster?