Cleveland Browns bye week report cards: Tight end

David Njoku: B

A 2017 first-round pick, David Njoku had one of the better first two seasons for a TE in NFL history, but he’s since yet to take the next step, even as he is now halfway through year four. He’s one of the most athletic players at his position, but injuries and drops have prevented him from reaching his potential. In five games this year, he’s turned his 13 targets into eight catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns. He had a great Week 1, grabbing three passes for 50 yards and a score, but also suffered a knee injury that cost him the next three outings.

Njoku made a fantastic touchdown catch in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he dropped a crucial second-half pass on third-down that would have moved the chains in a close game. Instead of continuing to move downfield and likely score, the Browns instead were forced to punt, and gave up another extremely long drive to the Raiders.

That’s been the story of Njoku’s career; he’ll make a great play, and then drop an easy pass on his next target. He has improved his blocking this year, which boosts his grade; it’s something he’ll never be great at, but with his receiving ability, he doesn’t need to be.

He’s just too inconsistent right now, and reportedly still wants out of Cleveland after requesting a trade earlier this calendar year. Because of his physical gifts, Njoku will have a role as long as he’s with the Browns, but it remains to be seen how much longer that will be.