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5 Rookies Who Should Start For The Cleveland Browns In 2017

By Nick Dudukovich

Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws in the second quarter against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

David Njoku, TE

David Njoku‘s starting spot was secured the day after the Browns traded back up into the first round to take the Miami tight end with the 29th pick overall.

Cleveland subsequently released former Pro Bowler Gary Barnidge, clearing the way for Njoku to be the starting tight end from day one.

He’s a seam buster, with big play potential who’s only 20 and still really new new to the position. With that said, Njoku (pronounced en-Jo-koo) averaged 16.2 and 17.2 yards per reception in his two campaigns playing tight end with the Hurricanes.

Nook also averaged 11.2 yards after the catch, which is 2 yards more than any other qualifying tight end, according to Pro Football Focus.

Other tight ends on the Browns roster include Randall Telfair and 2016 draft choice Seth DeValve.

The Barnidge transaction speaks volumes of Njoku’s future. You’re going to see a lot of the rookie in 2017.

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