Cleveland Browns: 5 players who will break out in 2021

4 of 5

Dec 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) runs the ball as center JC Tretter (64) blocks for him against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. TE David Njoku

David Njoku went from requesting a trade to the team’s best tight end in a matter of months last year. He blocked his tail off and produced in the passing game when given the chance.

Austin Hooper may be the player making the big bucks, but Njoku thoroughly outplayed him last season. The team picked up Njoku’s fifth-year option at $6 million, and it’s unlikely they did that just to target him only 2.2 times per game again.

The Browns obviously feel Njoku is about to break out, and given the fact that he missed essentially all of 2019, and that it usually takes at least two or three full seasons for TEs to “get it”, they could very well be right. 2020 was a massive step forward for Njoku. Just continuing that development will be huge for this team, and will earn him a nice second contract, maybe even with Cleveland.

He is still 24 years old, and is one of the most athletic players at his position in the league. Njoku’s talent has never been in question; it’s always been health and consistency. He made massive strides towards both last year, and could be on the cusp of greatness.

Home/Browns News