Ranking and grading every tight end on the Cleveland Browns ahead of training camp
By Chad Porto
We’re continuing with the preseason evaluation of the Cleveland Browns roster with the tight ends.
The Cleveland Browns have made some interesting moves this offseason, most of which we all know by now, but one of which will affect this section the most; the release of Austin Hooper. The Browns are transitioning away from the days of carrying four tight ends and will instead invest more heavily in receivers.
This of course isn’t unexpected, the Browns are moving away from what they were to what they are in order to accommodate their new quarterback. They’re trying to get faster on the edges and down the middle as much as possible, and this means moving away from tight ends.
One problem that fans will eventually realize is that not only will the Browns be throwing to the tight ends less, let alone using them as much, but will also be taking away rushing reps from the running backs. That was part of the reason the Browns carried four tight ends for as long as they did, so they could have extra blockers.
That was where Hooper excelled and was most valuable, despite his pedestrian receiving numbers. Not only did the Browns move on from Hooper but pure-blocker Stephen Carlson as well. Carlson was arguably as good as any offensive linemen on the team not named Jack Conklin, but Carlson is currently a free agent, and it looks like the Browns have no interest in bringing him back.
Carlson would fit well in Tennessee alongside Austin Hooper or could find a place with former quarterback Baker Mayfield in Carolina. Either way, this year’s crop of tight ends will be used vastly different than in past years, and that may end up being a good thing.
Like with the receivers, each player will not only be ranked but graded as well. Here’s what the grades will indicate
Each player will get a letter grade and here is how they break down;
- F – expected to be out of the league before the end of his rookie contract
- D – practice squad guy
- C – could get minutes as a backup
- B – starter
- A – among the league’s best