In 2023, the Cleveland Browns didn’t get much production from the tight end room outside of star David Njoku. They could look to add talented depth in the 2024 NFL draft as a result.
undefinedThe team could look to free agency to add a veteran but there are some fun day three prospects in this year’s class they could add as well.
There is a massive drop off this year after Brock Bowers who will likely go in the top 10 of the class as one of the best players in the draft period. However, there is a group of developmental players with great physical traits that could grow into significant contributors at the next level.
The Browns likely won’t add a significant contract at the position with the contract they gave to Jordan Akins last year and his experience with Deshaun Watson will likely get him a second year in Cleveland.
Here are three draft prospects that I think could develop into quality players that the Browns should look to draft in April.
Theo Johnson, Penn State
Theo Johnson has all of the tools to be a great player at the next level despite not having much college production. Penn State’s offense wasn’t prolific and that limited Johnson but he should test well in the draft process as he is an above-average athlete overall.
He is a quality blocker who plays through the whistle every play and would make a solid number three option immediately with a ton of upside. Johnson could easily slide into the role the Browns had for Harrison Bryant the last couple of years and he is both a better athlete and a more explosive player than Bryant is.
When you throw Johnson’s way you can expect him to make the play and not drop many passes. He is a solid route runner who is creative with the ball in his hands after the play and could be had on day three of this year’s draft.
Theo Johnson reels in a ridiculous one handed catch through heavy traffic pic.twitter.com/kMDfeSqlF4
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) February 13, 2024
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Early in his career Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott was used primarily as the team’s fullback before transitioning to tight end. You won’t find many players with better motors than Sinnott who is one of the best blocking tight ends in this year’s class.
Cleveland doesn’t have a tight end behind Njoku who is a quality blocker so it would make sense if they target a great blocker like Sinnott. He struggles to create a ton of separation in the passing game but he is a reliable possession receiver that can help in short-yardage situations and the red zone.
Jaheim Bell, Florida State
Another great athlete at the position is Jaheim Bell from Florida State who has shown that he can line up all over the field and produce. He has an explosive first step off the line of scrimmage and his short area quickness helps him create separation quickly creating an easy target for his quarterback.
There are some bad drops here and there but his ability to create yardage after the catch can make up for those blunders. He needs to improve as a run blocker but he has the size and strength to develop into a serviceable blocker down the line.
I know he’s not really a typical “TE” but I am so freaking in on Jaheim Bell
pic.twitter.com/vdgjdVjE6Y— Matt Robinson (@HoustonHoudini) February 13, 2024
