Five amazingly stupid myths about the Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns Myth No. 3: David Njoku cannot block

David Njoku was called out by John Dorsey for his poor blocking, worked hard on it and became the most improved blocking tight end in the NFL, but still wound up in Freddie Kitchens doghouse and for whatever reason many fans continue to support Dorsey and Freddie instead of Njoku in this dispute.

Fans, Dorsey’s and Kitchens’ best thinking got the Browns 6-10. It’s time to give it up. The player deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Fact is, however, that Njoku’s blocking flat-out sucked his rookie season in 2017. He made some nice catches, but that year DeShone Kizer was taking a beating because nobody was blocking for him and Njoku did not do him any favors, either.

But if you believe Pro Football Focus, or if you actually watch the games on TV, Njoku went from terrible to a below average blocker in 2018, then became above average in 2019, despite a limited data sample due to injuries, and subsequently being demoted to fifth string by coach Kitchens. In 2020, Njoku again missed time due to injuries, so if you are the type to criticize a man for being injured, go for it.

However in terms of blocking grades, he was top 10 in the NFL in pass blocking, and he led all Browns tight ends in both pass blocking and run blocking. Overall PFF had Austin Hooper as a better receiver. The eyeball test tells me that Hooper has more sure hands, but Njoku has a greater catch radius.

It did not help Njoku’ case that one one point he aske to be traded, but he did it the right way. He just asked politely. He never threatened to quit, and was never less than professional. He always supported his teammates and has always given 100% for his teammates.

Fans who want to carry a grudge on behalf of coach Kitchens are in the wrong. If you want 6-10, fine. Otherwise, it’s time for to give it up. Njoku can play, and in partiular, he is the best blocking tight end on the team.