Cleveland Browns studs and duds after one week of training camp
By Randy Gurzi
Stud: Harrison Bryant, Austin Hooper, Tight Ends
While David Njoku has been struggling, the other two tight ends have been fantastic.
This was expected out of Austin Hooper who was given a handsome contract in the offseason to join Cleveland after a four-year stint in Atalanta. Hooper is a complete tight end who can block but really stands out for his receiving skills.
Marc Sessler of the NFL Network says he’s been the “most lauded player” for Cleveland during the start of their camp.
His route-running, soft, hands, and impressive athleticism have been on display. Of course, the same is being said of their rookie Harrison Bryant.
A fourth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic, Bryant has the versatility to line up in-line, in the slot, or even in the backfield as an H-back. he’s also a refined pass-catcher who recently hauled in touchdowns on back-to-back 7-on-7 drills.
Bryant is another player who was praised by Sessler, who says the entire building in Berea is buzzing about his potential.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski likes to use multiple tight ends and quarterback Baker Mayfield has been fond of throwing to them in the end zone. This means the sure hands of Hooper and Bryant should come into play often during the regular season — for years to come.
And while David Njoku entered camp as the second tight end, there’s nothing that says Bryant can’t surpass him. And right now, it looks like he may.