Cleveland Browns select David Njoku
With the 29th-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected David Njoku out of the University of Miami.
Njoku is the perfect NFL tight end in terms of athleticism and size. Only 20 years old, the former University of Miami standout was universally seen as the second-best tight end in this class, only behind O.J. Howard of the Crimson Tide. As a senior, Njoku was a favorite target of quarterback (and fellow 2017 classmate) Brad Kaaya, catching 43 passes for 698 yards and eight touchdowns.
The best part of this pick is the amount of red zone targets Njoku will pull down. At 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, he immediately provides a tough mismatch for either a linebacker or safety. Perhaps most concerning for defenders is Njoku’s speed, which was tested as 4.64 in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 246
40-time: 4.64
Bench: 21 reps
Vertical: 37.5”
Broad: 133”
3-cone: 6.97
Like most tight ends, it’s evident on tape that he needs to work on his run blocking. The size is certainly there, but the technique is raw. The good news? That can be fixed with coaching. Travis Kelce was a horrific blocker coming out of college, and now is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league for Kansas City.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft instant grades
Njoku provides a really nice talent who should be molded into a perennial pro Bowler. Anything less would be a bit of a disappointment for one of the best talents in this class. With the Browns, Njoku will become a top target for whoever ends up playing quarterback in Cleveland next year.