Cleveland Browns: 3 offensive players who could have big years

Austin Hooper

With injuries to Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, and no real depth behind them to look at, the odds that tight end Austin Hooper gets targeted more in 2020 than he did in Atlanta is entirely possible. Hopper, while splitting receptions from Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones was still able to net over 70 receptions the last two seasons.  While it’s likely that Landry and Beckham stay healthy through 2020, it’s no guarantee. Making his addition all the much more needed and necessary.

There’s also the idea that both wideouts will play fewer snaps than in previous years, at least to start the season so both receivers can adjust as needed. That would allow Hooper to be the primary target a few more times than usual. While he’s not the most athletic tight end and he isn’t one to stretch the field, due to quarterback Baker Mayfield’s love of throwing over the middle, and head coach Kevin Stefanski’s desire to implement more play-action passing, Hopper could have huge numbers in this offense.

A third straight trip to the Pro Bowl is more than likely with this offense. This year’s team will feature less passing attempts than with former head coach Freddie Kitchens and will rely on the running game more than before. That actually benefits Hooper, as the team will use more play-action, which usually targets tight ends slanting down the middle of the field. They’ll be easy passes to make and assuming Mayfield can still be as accurate as he once was, then perhaps both players can set new career highs in the 2020 season.