The Cleveland Browns found their new tight end in Austin Hooper, the former Atlanta Falcons pass-catcher who agreed to terms with the AFC North franchise earlier this offseason.
According to Hooper, multiple factors were at play in the two-time Pro Bowl tight end's decision to sign with the Browns; he said on CBS Sports' “Jim Rome Show,” via Browns Wire:
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” I really like Andrew Berry, his approach, his vision, his style,” Hooper said. “I think I could really benefit (from) being under his leadership.
Hooper, 25, was a third-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Falcons out of Stanford. After a moderate rookie season that year, playing only 14 games, Hooper jumped onto the scene his next few seasons, missing only three games in three seasons (all in 2019).
Last season, Hooper amassed 787 receiving yards on 73 receptions in 13 games, scoring six touchdowns along the way for the Falcons en route to his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection.
This spring, the Browns saw tight ends Ricky Seals-Jones and Demetrius Harris leave the franchise via free agency and release, respectively. Cleveland also added another tight end via the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting Florida Atlantic's Harrison Bryant in the fourth round. The 2019 campaign's pass-catching group was dominated at the top by star wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. The next two top receivers last year were running backs, Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the latter of whom was suspended and missed the first eight games of the season.
The Browns hope Hooper can provide some relief and blocking in the offense and perhaps take away double teams on Beckham Jr. and Landry.