Cleveland Browns: Aggressively early look at 53-man 2021 roster

Tight End

One of the strangest positions last year was tight end. The Browns signed a top tight end in free agency, Austin Hooper, and drafted a rookie in round four of the 2020 draft in Harrison Bryant.

Let’s not forget, the first-round pick from 2017, David Njoku remains on the roster as well.

In a surprise for many, Bryant took the second tight end spot from Njoku, and really struggled the second half of the season. Hooper was a strong blocker but struggled to catch the ball last year and really declined after having a tremendous training camp.

Given the Stefanski system is so run-heavy, look for the Browns to carry a fourth tight end as well which will likely be Stephen Carlson. Carlson is nothing fancy, but on the goal line, he has a big frame and is a strong inline blocker.

The most interesting battle will be TE No. 2 this offseason. While Bryant won it last season, I would expect Njoku to get far more snaps in 2021 than he did last year. He improved his blocking and continues to be a much bigger threat in the passing game.

With Njoku having his fifth-year option exercised, the Browns need to try and utilize him or trade him. There have been trade rumors, but he is so talented I think Berry will do everything possible to keep him.