Three Cleveland Browns breakout candidates identified

Dan Schmelzer of NFL Mocks identified three members of the Cleveland Browns that he expects to have a breakout season in 2019.

After improving from zero wins in 2017 to seven wins in 2018, the Cleveland Browns are a team on the rise. In addition to the steps they already made last season, Cleveland added even more talent to the team this past offseason.

The biggest name was wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., who will also have the largest impact on the team. In addition to OBJ, the Browns added edge rusher Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, running back Kareem Hunt, and cornerback Greedy Williams.

While all those players are supposed to make their presence known, Cleveland has other potential breakout candidates who are returning members of the roster. Three of those very players were recently identified by Dan Schmelzer of NFL Mocks, who selected three candidates to break out in 2019.

Breakout candidate No. 1: David Njoku, Tight End

First up for Schmelzer was David Njoku, the third-year tight end. This isn’t a surprising name at all as Njoku is an athletic freak who seemed on the verge of breaking out last season. One of the reasons he’s expected to break out is that impressive physical skill set.

"“Simply put, Njoku is a big-time talent who has a massive ceiling at the tight end position. His physical skill-set is legit and the Cleveland Browns are in a great position to give him opportunities for success.” — Schmelzer, NFL Mocks"

Njoku is still just 22 years of age and won’t turn 23 until July. To be that young and already have two seasons of experience is priceless. He’s also shown improvement from year one to year two as he finished his sophomore campaign with 56 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns.

Still, he could offer even more this season, even with the added help around him. Should teams focus too much on the running game or wideouts, Njoku could make them pay.