Ranking and grading every tight end on the Cleveland Browns ahead of training camp

Ranking and Grading the tight ends

Honorable mentions:

Neither Zaire Mitchell-Paden nor Nakia Griffin-Stewart have a realistic shot of making this team as long as the status quo is what it is. Mitchell-Paden barely played in College, and Griffin-Stewart has bounced around from team to team over the last few years. At best they’ll land on the Browns practice squad as depth fodder, but that entirely depends on Marcus Santos-Silva.

Grade: Incomplete

4. Marcus Santos-Silva

The Browns are once again trying to follow NFL trends. Ever since Antonio Gates debuted with the San Diego Chargers as a former basketball player out of Kent State, the NFL has been trying to find the next Gates. Enter Marcus Santos-Silva. I would be gobsmacked if Santos-Silva made the actual roster. He’ll likely be one of the protected players on the practice squad, giving him time to learn his position. Right now, he’s nothing but a fun project.

Grade: F

3. Miller Forristall

The Browns didn’t want to pay Austin Hooper and that’s fair but man, they didn’t really invest any money in talent at the position following his release. Miller Forristall was not a big-time college player, wasn’t an elite receiver at his position either. He’s failed to catch on until now and at best, he’s a body and at worst he’s an unknown commodity.

Grade: D-

2. Harrison Bryant

I’m torn on Harrison Bryant. He’s really not a good blocker but with the Browns going in a more pass-focused offense in 2022, he likely won’t be asked to do that as much, which means he won’t be as exposed. That may be a good thing but the other problem is the Browns aren’t expected to run as man two-tight ends sets either, meaning Bryant won’t get nearly as many reps. If Bryant can’t get on the field, he won’t get the opportunity to show what he can do as a receiver. Right now, his prospects aren’t high and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns don’t re-sign him at this point.

Grade: C+

1. David Njoku

The Cleveland Browns gave the most inconsistent player since 2017 a massive contract extension with the hope that a more dedicated passing game will help David Njoku flourish. Like with Bryant, Njoku was a bad blocker as a tight end, and he was routinely replaced either by Stephen Carlson in 2020 or Andy Janovich in a fullback role in 2021 when the team wanted to run. He still had his fair share of reps as a run blocker, no doubt, but the Browns are clearly retaining him because he fits what they want to do this year, which is pass. Njoku may be a viable option to play make on a Browns team that is noticeably shallow of actual deep-threat playmakers. He and Amari Cooper are clearly the most apparent talents to do just that. Yet, his inconsistencies and personality issues over the years do cast doubt.

Grade: B