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5 early candidates for the Cleveland Browns 2020 MVP

By Hank Kilburn

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 22: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns runs on to the field prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 22: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns runs on to the field prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to avoid a tackle of Marquise Blair #27 of the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts to avoid a tackle of Marquise Blair #27 of the Seattle Seahawks in the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

4. Austin Hooper

The Pro Bowl tight end signed with the Browns in the offseason and will be a great fit in Stefanski’s offense. Not only does Austin Hooper fit the scheme, but he will also be a more reliable safety net than David Njoku when Baker Mayfield is facing pressure. As long as Mayfield can make the correct read and doesn’t mind dumping the ball off, Hooper should have a monstrous year.

Hooper will have Browns fans reminiscent of the days of Gary Barnidge in 2015. Hooper’s 77 percent catch rate and 97 targets were both top-10 in the league for tight ends. When those numbers are adjusted to scale, Hooper is one of the most efficient receiving tight ends in the league. Stefanski is salivating at the opportunity to play with his new toy. A younger Kyle Rudolph entering his prime.

The tight end position has become more and more valuable in recent years. If you look at the offensive formula of most of the top teams in the NFL, a tight end plays a major role. George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Mark Andrews are all keys to their respective offenses. Look at how much Rob Gronkowski meant to the New England Patriots’ offense.

We should be talking about Hooper in that same vein by December.

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