Browns' David Njoku Graded As Top Tight End in Week 8, According To PFF
When the going gets tough, lean on your best players.
For the Browns, their best groups are their offensive line, Amari Cooper at Receiver and David Njoku at tight end. The latter has been a homegrown staple of the Browns offense since he was drafted by them in 2018 and come up in some critical spots for Cleveland over the years.
On Sunday, the Browns needed him most he delivered in a big way. Njoku finished the game against Seattle with four catches for 77 yards and one touchdown. Not only was he effective in the pass game but he did what he does best and blocked like an All-Pro tackle in the run game.
For his efforts, he received the highest grade of all tight ends per Pro Football Focus at 88.2.
Njoku has seen so much turnover in his tenure in Cleveland but has stayed committed to making the Browns a winner. Back in Week 4, the Miami product suffered pretty severe burns to his face and hands just days before kickoff with Baltimore, but didn't miss the game.
At 6'4, 250 pounds, Njoku is a dorce for the Browns in the run and pass attack. He can jump like a small forward, is strong like a linebacker and has the speed of a safety. He had questionable hands early in his career but has developed into a dependable pass catcher.
Oct 29, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) scores a touchdown over Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The challenge moving forward for Cleveland is finding ways to get him more involved in the passing attack, like he was on Sunday. A lot of that falls on the quarterback play, something the Browns are hopeful to have resolved soon.
The moment when Cleveland is able to feature The Chief as a focal point of the offense is when this offense will explode. Until then, Njoku will have to continue to be a workhorse for this Browns offense.
