What should the Cleveland Browns expect from David Njoku in 2020?
Last season was full of problems for third-year tight end David Njoku as he dealt with injuries and issues with the coaching staff.
2019 was underwhelming for a lot of players on the Cleveland Browns, including David Njoku, who was expected to continue his improvement after two good seasons to start his career. But that’s not what happened, as he actually took a step back.
He only played in four games recording five catches for 41 yards and one touchdown. He missed 11 games because of a wrist injury, but even after returning from injured reserve he was a healthy scratch twice.
Njoku was rumored to be in former head coach Freddie Kitchens’ doghouse for a number of possible reasons, such as his effort level and poor blocking. Maybe it was just a case of two people not liking each other.
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Everybody has their own opinion of the job Kitchens’ did. Part of the problem was it seemed like the team didn’t want to play hard for him and he couldn’t motivate them. You shouldn’t have to motivate professional athletes, but the truth is sometimes you do.
The team never played inspired football. Maybe Njoku was just a part of that and a new head coach could rejuvenate him.
Well Kitchens isn’t in Cleveland anymore and the Browns signed the best free agent tight end this offseason, Austin Hooper, to a $44 million deal. That means Njoku has a lot to prove coming off a bad season, as he will be a full-time back up.
In 2018, Njoku caught 56 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns and looked like he was on his way to being the Browns tight end of the future. That is what made his disappointing 2019 more surprising.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski utilizes two tight ends a lot so Njoku will have a chance to turn things around. It is a zone run scheme that uses the run to set up the pass so Njoku will need to improve his blocking and shine with the ball in his hands, which is what he does best.
Next. 3 bargain free agents. dark
He has a lot on the line this season, if he performs well he could set himself up for a big contract, even if it’s not with the Browns.