Cleveland Browns: Rising star, breakout player, rebound player, and more
By Randy Gurzi
Breakout player: David Njoku, Tight End
Easily one of the most exciting players on the roster, tight end David Njoku is ready to become a star in the NFL. He’s an athletic freak that put together a promising rookie season for the Browns and is ready to break out in his second season.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
Playing one of the hardest positions to master in the NFL, Njoku was able to shine in year one. Despite subpar quarterback play, his numbers put him in some elite company as highlighted by George Stockburger over at NFL Mocks.
"“Drafted at just 20 years old, Njoku became just the fifth tight end to record 30 receptions, 300 yards at age 21 season: Tony Gonzalez, Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, Aaron Hernandez, and Njoku. Three of those players are Canton-bound at some point in their life.” — Stockburger, NFLMocks.com"
This wasn’t the only site that named the pass-catching tight end as a potential break out star and the reasoning makes a lot of sense. Njoku has the size to dominate against cornerbacks and the speed to run past linebackers.
On top of that, he’s no slouch when it comes to blocking. While he’s not a star there, he’s also not a liability, which will be key. His ability to be on the field for all three downs has a lot to do with why he will break out in 2018.