Cleveland Browns: 2018 Depth chart and roster analysis, Tight Ends

As new general manager John Dorsey revamps the Cleveland Browns roster, we take a look at what the 2018 season may have in store at tight end.

Many fans struggle with ever-changing rosters. Some players may be well known in one city, only to move and became an unknown in another. This year has brought Cleveland Browns fans a great number of changes through both, free agency and trades, with more to come with the 2018 NFL Draft.

As such, we have begun examining each position group to determine which players may fill which roles. To this point, we have looked at the Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers.

We look now at the tight end position.

TE1 – David Njoku

Njoku is an athletic playmaker that should remain secure at No. 1 spot. Drafted in the first round last year, he did not have quite as good of a season as many hoped for. However, the complete overhaul at the quarterback position should benefit every pass-catcher on the team.

I expect Njoku to thrive in the new-look Browns offense under offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, and quarterback, Tyrod Taylor. Haley utilized his tight ends often in Pittsburgh and will continue to do so in Cleveland, with Njoku being the main attraction at the position.

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TE2 – Seth DeValve

DeValve has proven his worth as a capable tight end in the NFL and will be a solid second option as a pass-catcher. Although I consider Njoku to top receiving threat, DeValve finished the 2017 season with more receptions, by one.

One of my favorites, Seth was all but unheard of when he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 draft out of Princeton. He performs well when given the opportunity and should continue to be a dependable option at tight end.

I will offer that he could slip down into the third spot if the draft goes my way. (You will see, just keep reading.)

TE3 – Darren Fells

A free agent addition this year, Fells will be utilized mostly in blocking situations. That said, he has caught seven touchdowns in his four seasons and may get some opportunities receiving as well. That is the same total, by the way, as both Njoku and DeValve combined, in their accumulated three seasons.

TE4 – Randall Telfer

There was some hype about Telfer prior to the 2017 season and many assumed he would have a breakout year. His role was limited mostly to blocking and his three receptions did not exactly elevate his status with fans. His role in 2018 will most likely depend on the outcome of the upcoming draft and the coaches evaluations leading up to the regular season. The addition of Fells does not help his case.

Other TEs: Gavin Escobar, Devon Cajuste, Matt Lengel

It is difficult to pinpoint the roles in this group with any certainty. They will fight to secure positions on special teams or as additional depth, but may just as easily not make the team.

Draft Possibilities

Most fans would agree that tight-end is not a position of need, at least compared to others. It is hard to say, however, how John Dorsey views the existing group and he may look to improve on them through the draft. There is certainly an argument that poor quarterback play was a significant factor for the Browns last season, but both Njoku and DeValve struggled mightily in the catch percentage category.

There are several prospects that may provide a sizable impact. My purpose here is not in evaluating each that are available, but I will offer one that I would like to see in brown and orange: Hayden Hurst.

Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst likely has the best hands in the draft. If there are any better I would be amazed. I have seen conflicting reports on his catch percentage. The draft profile on Hurst at NFL.com states that he “had one drop against 100 career catches.” ProFootballFocus.com, however, offers that he indeed dropped three.

Compare that to Njoku and DeValve, with their combined 65 catches out of 118 attempts last year, per Pro Football Reference. I feel confident that I don’t need to do the math for you to get my point.

Next: Cleveland Browns: 50-Player Big Board for 2018 draft

The one big downside for Hurst is that he will be 25 years old upon entering the league. Apparently, his 97mph fastball earned him a shot playing baseball, although that obviously didn’t pan out.

In summary

The 2018 Cleveland Browns will have athletic tight ends with playmaking abilities. And I have serious issues with dropped passes.