4 Cleveland Browns who will blow up in 2021

1. Austin Hooper – Tight End

Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments in 2020 was the performance of Austin Hooper, who was made the highest-paid tight end (for a day) last offseason when the Browns signed him in free agency from the Atlanta Falcons.

After a 75-reception year for 787 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2019 with the Falcons, many expected him to become the security blanket for Mayfield in the Stefanski system. While Hooper was still a tremendous asset in the running game, his receiving skills were lackluster. While he had 27 fewer targets in 2020 compared to 2019, he also had a couple of crucial drops throughout the season. His catch rate of 65.7 percent in 2020 was the lowest of his career.

What was most surprising by all of this was all the hype from the offseason. Team correspondents for the Browns raved all offseason how great Hooper and Mayfield looked together. The two even worked together at a Texas High School when COVID-19 was at its peak.

With a full offseason and a year together, look for Hooper to flourish in 2021 with Mayfield. The Stefanski system is too tight end friendly for it not to finally happen. Communication will be better, and Hooper will have a full season under his belt in the system which was completely different than he was used to.

While Hooper likely won’t reach 100 targets because of the run focus in the Browns system, look for Hooper to have a 75 percent catch rate, and 8-10 touchdowns in 2021 as he and Mayfield continue to dial in the relationship. Oh, and Hooper will continue to be a dominant run blocker for Chubb and Kareem Hunt, which can’t be overlooked.