The Browns are about three weeks away from the start of training camp, which will kick off with their visit to the Greenbrier. To prepare for training camp, we're putting together a preview of each position on the roster. Let's take a look at the tight ends as the next part of the series.
The Tight Ends:
Jordan Akins
Zaire Mitchell-Paden
David Njoku
Treyton Welch
What we know: The Browns have solid tight end options that they can use as pass catchers and offensive weapons for QB Deshaun Watson. It all begins with Njoku – who will continue to have a prominent role in the offense. Njoku comes into the 2024 season leading the group after a standout 2023 season, in which he led the team with 81 receptions and a career-high six receiving touchdowns. Yet, Akins also has the potential to have a bigger role in his second year with the Browns. With the departure of Harrison Bryant, there is a void to fill behind Njoku.
The biggest question: Who will be the second option at tight end? Akins and Mitchell-Paden can be in the conversation, as Akins has a previous connection with Watson from their time in Houston. He had a career-best season in 2022 with the Texans and Watson, tying a career-high 37 receptions for 495 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns. The familiarity Akins has with Watson could play more of a factor this season with Watson healthy and running the offense. Mitchell-Paden spent the 2023 season on the Browns' practice squad, but with a need for depth behind Njoku, could have a chance to showcase his potential in training camp.
The other element will center around the tight ends is how they are used in offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's offense. The Browns have a number of available pass catchers that Watson can turn to between the receivers and tight ends – with a receiving corps that can stretch the defense and create more space in the middle of the field – but seeing just how they are all used in the offense will be an element to keep an eye on.
The X-Factor: Njoku. After a breakout season in 2023 where he earned his first Pro-Bowl selection, Njoku is poised to have another strong year. Njoku finished the 2023 seasons with 81 receptions for 882 yards and six touchdowns. He also dominated in yards after the catch, averaging 7.4 yards after catch per reception and a total of 599 yards for the season. He extended plays with his ability to fight through defenders.
The biggest number: 81 – Njoku's total number of receptions in 2023. It was a career-year for Njoku in a number of areas – his total number of receptions, total receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Njoku's leading reception total played an important factor in the success of the Browns' pass game. As the main tight end to be targeted in 2023 with 123 targets, Njoku's production can be another integral factor in 2024.
Says it all: "On year eight. Felt like yesterday it was our rookie year. It's a blessing at the end of the day. We come a long way, but we didn't come this far, just to come this far. We came this far with a purpose, and I think everybody knows what that purpose is, and we are doing our best to obtain that purpose." – Njoku reflecting on NFL career with the Browns
How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster last year: 3
