David Njoku

Njoku is coming off a 2020 campaign in which he caught 19 of his 29 targets for 213 and two TDs in 13 games. Now in his fifth season with the Browns, the 2017 first-rounder remains behind Austin Hooper in the team's tight end pecking order, and Harrison Bryant is also around to compete for targets. In that context, Njoku is probably an injury break or two away from garnering fantasy-worthy volume, but if given the chance, the 6-4, 246-pounder does possess more than enough athleticism to produce as a pass catcher.

In 2019, Njoku occupied a spot in the doghouse under then-head coach Freddie Kitchens. He looked positioned for a big year after catching four of six targets and a touchdown in Week 1, but a Week 2 wrist injury KO'd the 2017 first-rounder's next 11 weeks (10 games). Upon Njoku's return, Kitchens questioned his effort and made the 23-year-old a healthy scratch. With a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski, one who utilizes tight ends, Njoku's fantasy outlook takes on a slightly more positive feel. However, the team spent big money to bring in Austin Hooper, likely leaving Njoku as the No. 2 TE. The Browns did pick up the fifth-year option on Njoku's rookie contract, but that wasn't enough to dissuade him from requesting a trade in July. It isn't clear if the team has any interest in honoring his request.

The first thing to remember with Njoku is that he came into the league at a young age. He was 21 during his rookie year of 2017- which was held back by the clown car of the Hue Jackson Browns - and will be a third-year pro this season at 23 years old. Tight end is a complicated position as is, but especially when you've spotted an age advantage to your peers. The Baker Mayfield switch didn't push Njoku through the roof, but The Joker did increase his catch rate by 10 percent from his rookie year and was eighth in the league in TE yardage. The Browns didn't prioritize Njoku in scoring areas, with his eight red-zone targets tying Rob Gronkowski for 18th place among tight ends. There's obvious room for growth in that regard, especially if the Cleveland offense takes a big step forward with Mayfield in his second year and having a full offseason to work with coach Freddie Kitchens. On the flip side, the Browns need to find room for Odell Beckham Jr. on the receiving tree, and they also have a deep backfield that demands touches. But Njoku's impressive 2017 combine is still fresh in our minds, and maybe a spike is possible this season.

No one doubts the Njoku pedigree. He was a first-round pick out of the University of Miami. He crushed the 2017 Combine, finishing top-three among TEs in the vertical jump, broad jump and three-cone drill, with a solid 40 time (4.64) to boot. Ah, but Njoku landed in Cleveland, joining a team with a clueless head coach and a revolving door at quarterback. Given the challenges of the position and the chaos around Njoku, a 32-386-4 haul was rather impressive. Strangely, most of his production came early; he had just one touchdown after Week 5. His biggest problem this year could be competition for targets. Josh Gordon is around, at least to start the year. Target-gobbling Jarvis Landry joined the team. Two primary running backs were added, and Duke Johnson is still around. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself if you think Njoku's talent can overcome the gridlock he's staring down.

The Browns traded up to land Njoku in April's draft, selecting him with the No. 29 overall pick. Perhaps other teams were struggling with the pronunciation; for the record, it's en-JOE-koo. The University of Miami has a rich legacy of tight ends, including Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. The exciting thing about Njoku's fantasy potential is that he's seen more as a receiver than a blocker. One of the fantasy hacks we're always looking for is a tight end who's used as a hybrid WR more than anything else, and Njoku seems to have that club in his bag. The cold water to the case? The Browns haven't had quality QB play since dinosaurs roamed the planet, Njoku is still young for his class (he turned 21 in July), and rookie tight ends are notoriously a risky investment. We love his future, but we'll try to stay grounded with initial expectations.