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David Njoku leading Cleveland Browns three-headed tight end monster

By Elliot Kennel

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, a New Jersey native, talks to reporters before Friday's second joint practice session against the New York Giants in Berea, Ohio.David Njoku
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, a New Jersey native, talks to reporters before Friday's second joint practice session against the New York Giants in Berea, Ohio.David Njoku /
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Aug 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper (81) and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) reacts after their win against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Austin Hooper (81) and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) reacts after their win against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Austin Hooper turns back the clock for Cleveland Browns

Austin Hooper, the two-time Pro Bowler is bouncing back with a good year after a down 2020. So far has 11 grabs in 16 targets for 97 yards in 237 total offensive snaps this season. However, these numbers are deceptive because he had several misses in the Minnesota game when Baker Mayfield for whatever reason was throwing uncatchable balls.

He has caught almost everything thrown his way and has elevated his blocking from where it was last season. He has been outstanding so far this season.

For a while, Hooper was the highest-paid tight end in history after signing a four-year, $42 million dollar deal with the Browns last season. Coach Kevin Stefanski wanted to run a two-tight-end offense, and there was a two-time Pro Bowl tight end sitting there in free agency.

Hooper made the Pro Bowl twice as an Atlanta Falcon. Hooper also has a touchdown in the Super Bowl to his credit, in the infamous Super Bowl LI, in which the Falcons managed to blow a 25 point lead. That happened in his rookie season in 2016.

Since Hooper signed his big deal, some new deals were very quickly signed around the NFL. George Kittle of the 49ers,

Travis Kelce of the Chiefs, Mark Andrews of the Ravens, Hunter Henry, and Jonnu Smith of the Patriots, are all getting Hooper money now, rightly so. There are some true mutants at the position now. It is almost impossible to defend someone who has physical attributes like a power forward in basketball who can really play tight end.

As a Brown, Hooper was good in 2020, but not great. He had only 46 catches for 435 yards for the Browns after hauling in 75 balls for 787 yards for Atlanta the previous year and making the Pro Bowl. Plus he is not known as an exceptional blocker, and David Njoku was regarded as a superior blocking tight end. Part of the problem may have been that he was not right physically in 2020, but he is injury-free so far in 2021, knock on wood.

In addition to the two starters, the Browns seem to be very high on Harrison Bryant who also grades out as an NFL starting-caliber tight end.

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