Browns Roster Positional Preview: Tight End

Taking a look at Cleveland’s tight end room before team activities begin

The Cleveland Browns are officially heading into the first portion of their practice schedule today beginning with their rookie minicamp.

OTA’s (Organized team activities) begin on May 21st, which marks the first time that the entire team has an opportunity to work together. Before that time comes, it’s important to take a look at each of Cleveland’s position groups.

Today we’re going to dive into the Browns’ tight end room as it currently stands.

Current Roster (4)

David Njoku

2023 Stats: 81 recs., 882 receiving yards, 10.9 avg., 6 TD

Njoku was excellent in 2023 and provides the offense with a consistent weapon as both a pass-catcher and in-line blocker. If Deshaun Watson stays healthy in 2024, Njoku could have an All-Pro type of season.

PFF Grade: 68.4

Jordan Akins

2023 Stats: 15 recs., 132 receiving yards, 8.8 avg., 0 TD

Akins was signed in the 2023 off-season but was hardly used last year. He has shown the ability to be a sufficient receiving weapon in the past with the Houston Texans and could be the top option at TE2 on passing downs in 2024.

PFF Grade: 55.0

Giovanni Ricci

2023 Stats: 1 rec., 2 receiving yards, 2.0 avg., 0 TD

Ricci was acquired early on in the 2024 free agency cycle to compete for the third tight end spot and at fullback. He could be used as a move-blocker, motioning around the formation pre-snap for the offense in an attempt to gain a “numbers” advantage.

PFF Grade: 50.9

Treyton Welch – Wyoming

2023 Stats: 31 recs., 308 receiving yards, 9.9 avg., 2 TD

Welch was signed as an undrafted free agent shortly after the 2024 NFL Draft concluded. He wasn’t overly productive at Wyoming but is a good athlete and has shown the type of traits that Cleveland values at tight end. He has a shot to make the roster depending on the team’s plans for Giovanni Ricci.

PFF Grade: N/A

Projected Depth Chart (3)

TE1 – David Njoku

TE2 – Jordan Akins

TE3/FB – Giovanni Ricci/Treyton Welch

What are your thoughts on Cleveland’s tight end room heading into offseason activities? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.