Cleveland Browns: Final roster prediction comes with a few surprises

Tight end (3)

David Njoku is the perfect complement to our offensive weapons. Right now, the Browns have guys they can throw fades to in the end-zone — but those will be based on timing and not athleticism. Njoku’s pure size and athleticism allow him to be the Browns “jump-ball guy.” I already talked about how Derrick Willies can perform this task also, but Njoku may be one of the best in the NFL at jump-balls — Browns just need to decide to try it.

I am not sure Njoku could be the #1 guy on a Super Bowl caliber offense, at least no t to this point in his career. But he has the potential to blossom into that role. If the combination of him reaching his potential and the opportunities come, Njoku could have a Jimmy Graham, Gronk (in their primes) type of impact on an offense.

Demetrius Harris was brought here for two reasons. (1) big, athletic guy who can make plays in the red zone. (2) he can block. Harris played the exact same role last year for the Chiefs that he will play this year for the Browns. Last year Harris was Travis Kelce’s backup and emphasized the talents previously described. That will be his role this year.

Rico Gathers has the type of wait-and-see potential that scares coaches and gets GMs fired. He flashed his abilities with the Cowboys but has not reached what was originally expected for him. But at 25 years old with the ability to block and great athleticism — this is the type of “3rd man on the totem pole” that organizations keep around.

I expect the Browns to keep Gathers over Seth DeValve because we have seen how Dorsey feels about Sashi Brown’s players — especially the ones who clearly do not have Pro Bowl level talent. Injuries have cost DeValve his golden opportunity, but he will get an opportunity somewhere else.

PREDICTION: David Njoku, Demetrius Harris, Rico Gathers