5 Cleveland Browns players who need to step up this year
By Grant Puskar
No 4. David Njoku
While it is easy to be hard on a guy like David Njoku, there are many different arguments that can be made about him. Many say he cannot block and that he has stone hands, while others say he is a huge red zone target that just needs better coaching and was a huge reason why Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has so much success in his rookie year.
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Whichever narrative you want to take, one thing is pretty clear on Njoku — if he can return to his form from a few years ago, lookout.
There is no question that Njoku struggles when it comes to blocking in both the run and pass game. With Austin Hooper coming to Cleveland as the new number one tight end, it will be crucial for Njoku to pick up his end when it comes to blocking. If he can do these things and produce at a high level, Hooper and Njoku could be a very scary duo.
In what was Mayfield’s rookie year and Njoku’s sophomore season, Njoku totaled 56 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns. Njoku also had a 63.6 percent catch rate, the best of his career.
Although the Browns picked up the 5th-year option on him, if Njoku cannot find his stride and continues to struggle, look for the Browns to soon try and move on from the tight end.