Instant Fantasy Analysis - TE David Njoku, Browns

[The Football Guru 211]

Even if the Browns can't support him with a good quarterback for a while, I love the value of this pick. And don't think for a second the trade up didn't have something to do with trying to keep him away from the Steelers. Njoku is as freaky of a talent at tight end as the draft has produced in a while. The Miami (Fla.) product is comparable to former Cane TE Jimmy Graham and could eventually turn into a perennial Pro Bowler so long as Cleveland finds even an average quarterback. As with any player relatively new to the game, Njoku will need to learn how to run routes (as opposed to leaning on just his athleticism) and become a better blocker, but he's probably further along than Graham was when he came out of the draft. Njoku may not overtake Gary Barnidge right away, but he should step in right away as a field-stretching option to take some of the attention away from Corey Coleman and Kenny Britt. The landing spot obviously is far from ideal at the moment, but his talent is undeniable.

[BobSanders_33 127]

I really like what Cleveland is doing. They don't have a QB now but they are building for the future and there will be better options next year. When that QB arrives and IF Gordon is back and IF Coleman develops he will be in a nice spot.

[lesjroza 70]

Even if the Browns can't support him with a good quarterback for a while, I love the value of this pick. And think for a second and then have something to do with trying to keep him away from the Steelers. Njoku is as freaky of a talent at tight end as the draft has produced in a while. The Miami (Fla.) product is comparable to former Cane TE Jimmy Graham and could eventually turn into a perennial Pro Bowler so long as Cleveland finds even an average quarterback. As with any player relatively new to the game, Njoku will need to learn how to run routes (as opposed to leaning on just his athleticism) and become a better blocker, but he's probably further along than Graham was when he came out of the draft. Njoku may not overtake Gary Barnidge right away, but he should step in right away as a field-stretching option to take some of the attention away from Corey Coleman and Kenny Britt. The landing spot obviously is far from ideal at the moment, but his talent is undeniable.

 

What is the ETA on Jimmy Graham developing his blocking chops? lol

 

Maybe Njoku rounds out his skill set at some point, maybe not, but I would agree right now he has value as a tactical weapon-field stretcher. As with most rookie TEs he is going to be a net negative when on the field unless in obvious passing situations where he is split out as a pass catcher. This may actually be a solid landing spot for him, however, because Barnidge is capable of being a teacher-mentor who can further his development. A team like Dallas with Witten would have been even better. I don't know if there is anybody on the Browns coaching staff with TE skill development chops, I just don't know the team, but the truth is most teaching comes from other veteran players in the NFL anyway with the occasional exception. Just my 2 cents worth........or maybe less.

[Maulers1973 117]

He's a fine player, but I don't think anyone was going to select him in the first round. The Browns 2nd and 3rd selections in the first round were complete failures! An over-hyped safety that can't intercept the ball and is a pothead and then a TE project. That's not how you improve a 1-15 team.

 

Plus, they had MUCH better options. For example, stay at 12 and select OJ Howard, an elite TE prospect, and then get Melifonwu at 33 (he's better than Peppers in every conceivable way).

[The Football Guru 211]

 

What is the ETA on Jimmy Graham developing his blocking chops? lol

 

Maybe Njoku rounds out his skill set at some point, maybe not, but I would agree right now he has value as a tactical weapon-field stretcher. As with most rookie TEs he is going to be a net negative when on the field unless in obvious passing situations where he is split out as a pass catcher. This may actually be a solid landing spot for him, however, because Barnidge is capable of being a teacher-mentor who can further his development. A team like Dallas with Witten would have been even better. I don't know if there is anybody on the Browns coaching staff with TE skill development chops, I just don't know the team, but the truth is most teaching comes from other veteran players in the NFL anyway with the occasional exception. Just my 2 cents worth........or maybe less.

I don't think I said anything about Barnidge "mentoring" him and I purposely avoid that phrase in 99 percent of my writing b/c most veterans who believe they have more than a year left aren't going to be all that receptive to training their replacement, or at least not giving him all of the tricks of the trade. Njoku is a special talent. Now, it is up to Cleveland to make it pay off.

 

UPDATE: Barnidge was just released.

[lesjroza 70]

I don't think I said anything about Barnidge "mentoring" him and I purposely avoid that phrase in 99 percent of my writing b/c most veterans who believe they have more than a year left aren't going to be all that receptive to training their replacement, or at least not giving him all of the tricks of the trade. Njoku is a special talent. Now, it is up to Cleveland to make it pay off.

 

UPDATE: Barnidge was just released.

 

You didn't, that was me thinking out loud. One of the things I always consider with a prospect who is clearly not fully developed, is how conducive the environment is to continued learning. I do not know the Browns staff well enough to know if there are suitable teachers for the TE position. The position coach who is truly able to coach up a player like a Rod Marinelli with lineman or Wrs like a Ricky Proehl (before he left Car) is rare. Many position coaches are in reality group leaders relaying information from the coordinator and head coach level and facilitating players day to day situation. Players can and do get coached up by vet players who have the inclination, sometimes at the same position, sometimes with a vet QB like Peyton, but you are certainly correct that many have no interest. Players also seek out and obtain learning from one another on different teams as well such as Larry Fitz' summer camp. Its a tall order to expect even highly talented players athletes to learn what they need to be successful right away if they are not steered in the right direction.

Barnidge being released facilitates another of the requirements for development which is meaningful reps at the position,,,,,,,though I'd still keep an eye out for Seth Devalve in '17 personally.

[The Football Guru 211]

I'm not projecting Njoku's 2017 numbers yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if he tops out around 30 catches. With the QB situation being what it is, Njoku still raw and Devalve likely to steal a few snaps, I doubt Njoku will end up on any of my redraft teams.

[murf74 461]

He's a fine player, but I don't think anyone was going to select him in the first round. The Browns 2nd and 3rd selections in the first round were complete failures! An over-hyped safety that can't intercept the ball and is a pothead and then a TE project. That's not how you improve a 1-15 team.

 

Plus, they had MUCH better options. For example, stay at 12 and select OJ Howard, an elite TE prospect, and then get Melifonwu at 33 (he's better than Peppers in every conceivable way).

 

you are 100 percent correct