Cleveland Browns: The three biggest needs in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Chad Porto
Tight End
David Njoku still has supporters in Cleveland, at least among the fanbase. Yet, entering his fourth year in the league, Njoku should be much farther along by now in his development of a player. He’s never been a strong blocker but was serviceable enough in the run game, but his injury issues have become too much to ignore. Njoku could still be a viable Ben Watson type of tight end, but the Browns need a Travis Kelce/George Kittle type. A true difference maker that can make Mayfield’s job a heck of a lot easier.
Stefanski likes to run behind and pass to tight ends. Even if Njoku stays on the roster, Stefanski will want a second guy to utilize to some degree in both the passing and running aspects of the offense. It’s not sure yet how the Browns view tight ends that are in the NFL 2020 Draft. Are they looking to draft a player in the second or third round in order to start, or is Stefanski eyeing a free agent or two in order to bolster the position?
The stats for the Browns 2019 tight ends were terrible. Just about any player picked should help bolster that lack of production.
It’s fair to say that the first player off the board for the Browns should be a lineman, it’s not hard to see the reason for that. Being the fanbase of Joe Thomas’ only pro team, Browns’ supporters know just how valued a great offensive lineman truly is. A great tight end is helpful, obviously, but the two best in the NFL (Travis Kelce/George Kittles) were picked in the 3rd and 5th rounds of their respective drafts. So picking one in the first isn’t necessary.
Browns fans don’t need another Kellen Winslow type either. Being flashy only does so much in this position. Nor does having an ego. George Kittles wasn’t complaining that he didn’t catch many passes in the NFC Championship, he did his job to keep his teammates untouched. There are going to be some interesting selections available in the 2nd or 3rd rounds more than likely. The problem comes with what type of tight end will the Browns get? Will they get a Kyle Brady type? A block-first tight end that can keep defensive ends off of Mayfield? It seems possible, especially if Njoku sticks around. That’s certainly something to keep an eye on.