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3 Cleveland Browns players who could lose their starting jobs in 2020

By Hank Kilburn

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns on the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)"n
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns on the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)"n /
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1. David Njoku

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr /Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Tight end David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates his touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr /Getty Images) /

It’s hard to put him on the list because fans like to pile on him, but David Njoku hasn’t lived up to expectations.

When he was drafted out of Miami, Browns fans were excited about Njoku’s potential. His rookie campaign was nothing to write home about, but the quarterback room was less than ideal so he got a pass. 2018 should have been Njoku’s breakout season with Baker Mayfield taking the snaps.

Young quarterbacks typically find success in relying on their tight ends as a safety net while they adjust to the NFL. Njoku’s net may have had a few holes in it because he finished the season with 639 yards and four touchdowns. Not the breakout season fans were hoping to see.

Last season can be written off for most of the players as the coaching was a disaster, but even more for Njoku, as he was lit up against the Jets which caused him to miss three-quarters of the season.

This season will be his final shot for the Browns. Berry made a good move by exercising his fifth-year option because it shows the organization has confidence in Njoku, but the Browns can cut bait without losing anything while saving $6 million.

Njoku seemingly lost his starting position with the signing of Austin Hooper, but Kevin Stefanski’s offense is a two tight end set, so that’s hidden by the scheme.

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Njoku will have to step it up because Harrison Bryant and Pharaoh Brown aren’t content with being backups.

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