Cleveland Browns: Is it time to give David Njoku and Duke Johnson reps at wide receiver?
Cleveland Browns: Is it time to give David Njoku and Duke Johnson reps at wide receiver?
The Cleveland Browns held a workout for Rishard Matthews earlier this week. The workout was scheduled before Rashard Higgins sprained his MCL this past week versus the Baltimore Ravens. Whether or not they offer Matthews a contract has yet to be seen.
The solution to their wide receiver woes may be right under their noses in Berea. Both David Njoku and Duke Johnson are explosive play-makers in the passing game, and both have depth at their respective positions.
Njoku is an absolute physical specimen. The 6-4 246-Pound tight-end runs a 4.64 40-yard dash. To put that number in perspective Jarvis Landry ran a 4.77. Njoku is a nightmare for defenses in the open field with his size and athleticism. But he has had clear struggles in the blocking department that has stunted his growth as a complete tight end.
More from Browns News
- 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
Given the fact that there was a Seth DeValve sighting last Sunday, combined with the role Darren Fells has carved out, it may be time to see what Njoku can do lined up at wide receiver. If anything, it would allow them to put their best athletes on the field and create mismatches down in the red zone.
Duke Johnson has struggled to get snaps at running-back behind Carlos Hyde, as has Nick Chubb. Johnson’s ability as a pass catcher has never been in doubt.
He has caught 198 passes through 53 career games. He is an outstanding route runner with exceptional short area quickness. Earlier in the pre-season, Johnson even petitioned for reps at slot receiver. The time to oblige his request could be right now.
By utilizing their skill sets this would allow the Browns to maximize the talent that they already have on their roster. Both Johnson and Njoku have the ability to rack up yards after the catch. The more playmakers you can put on the field with Baker Mayfield the better.
Next. Warning: Cleveland Browns’ Baker Mayfield on track for 44-plus sacks. dark
The moves will not permanently solve the need to bring in a wide receiver, but in the meantime, it could provide the spark that kicks the offense into high gear.