The Cleveland Browns doubled down on their initial investment in TE David Njoku this offseason. After making the Miami product a first-round pick in 2017, the team placed the franchise tag on him at the start of the league year.
Later, the Browns and Njoku agreed upon a long-term deal that will keep him with the team for years at over $13 million in annual salary.
For some fans, Njoku’s career so far doesn’t make him worth that price. In five seasons, he’s never had more than 639 yards (2018) or four touchdowns (’17, ’18, ’21). His career high in receptions also came in 2018 with 56.
Moving forward, Cleveland is depending on Deshaun Watson’s use of tight ends and Njoku’s continual development. In 2022, it is possible he could be the team’s second-leading receiver.
Njoku’s work ethic has never been questioned, one of the reasons the team’s front office is bought into him. In this video, shared by the NFL’s official account, we see the tight end working on both his balance and concentration:
The balance. The concentration.
Not sure how @David_Njoku80 made this workout look so easy. (via sergio_malmborg/IG) pic.twitter.com/ZLFyEAbMLk
— NFL (@NFL) July 14, 2022
Not only is he standing on one foot on a balance board but his hands are strapped to bands that provide resistance as he tries to catch the balls thrown randomly at him.
Balance, focus and concentration drills should help him catch as many balls thrown his way as well as help his core strength as a blocker or when running after the catch. An impressive, short video of the highly paid tight end putting in work to get better.
