Cleveland Browns: Which offensive rookies will make the team?

Seth DeValve

Seth DeValve was certainly a surprise pick on draft day. He played college ball at Princeton and was not invited to the annual combine. Nicknamed “Baby Gronk”, DeValve was used in a similar fashion. He lined up in various places all over the field in order to create mismatches. He played wide receiver in college but at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he has the size and frame of a small NFL tight end.

The Browns drafted Seth DeValve with the 40th pick of the fourth round. A relative unknown, DeValve was primarily a wide receiver. His ability to catch the ball and run precise routes bring value to Browns. He can also win contested catches. He remains inconsistent with his catching technique. He is listed as a tight end for the Browns. His ability to block is unknown. In order to play tight end he will need to learn to block effectively.

DeValve fits into Hue Jackson’s offense as a tight end who plays the H-Back role. Jackson will probably use DeValve in the same way he used Tyler Eifert last season. He will be on the field as a tight end. Then Jackson will line him up outside, inside, hand down and in the backfield in order to create multiple formations with the goal of creating mismatches.

The tight end position is solidified with Gary Barnidge. Beyond that, the position is wide open. DeValve fits the mold of a receiving tight end. He is a perfect match for an H-Back role provided he can block at the NFL level. Depending on how the Browns shape their roster, DeValve will outright make the team or will have to compete with E.J. Bibbs for the backup receiving tight end role.

Verdict: Seth DeValve makes the team as the second receiving tight end. He will be a developmental project in the run game. But he can contribute in the passing game immediately.

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