When we talk about the Cleveland Browns, we mention names like Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, and Kareem Hunt, and you can see why. After all, that is an embarrassment of riches on offense.
However, one name that has been conspicuously absent from those conversations is tight end David Njoku.
Look, I get it. Mayfield is the entertaining quarterback and Beckham is the flashy name. But we are making a pretty big mistake in not even mentioning Njoku as a big-time threat in this offense.
As a matter of fact, Njoku may well end up being the straw that stirs the drink.
It flew under the radar this past season, but Njoku hauled in 56 receptions for 639 yards and four touchdowns and was actually the Browns' second-leading receiver behind Landry.
Obviously, Cleveland went out and landed some more weapons this offseason, which further clouded Njoku in relative obscurity, not to mention the fact that tight end is not exactly a glamorous position to begin with.
But in the midst of all of the hoopla about Mayfield having both Beckham and Landry to throw to and the three-headed monster of Chubb, Hunt and Duke Johnson in the backfield, we have forgotten about the impact Njoku could have.
Njoku is a freak athlete with good speed and outstanding jumping ability, and while his hands are a bit questionable, the fact that he was so productive in just his second season is a sign that he will be just fine moving forward.
Most of the attention from opposing defenses is going to be on Beckham and Landry in the passing game, which should open up the middle of the field for Njoku to serve as sort of a security blanket for Mayfield.
While Njoku is a deep threat in his own right, he will be best-suited carving out a role as a reliable short-yardage pass-catcher, which will not only move the chains, but will also force defenses to pay him more mind and, in turn, open up Beckham and Landry downfield.
The one downside to Njoku's game is that he is not the greatest blocking tight end, but with the Browns likely to utilize him more as a receiver anyway, that shouldn't be that big of an issue.
It kind of seems like we are talking about how talented this Cleveland offense is, and yet, we keep neglecting to bring up Njoku, who may very well end up being one of the best players at his position in a couple of years.
He might not post huge numbers, as Mayfield has so many weapons at his disposal, but you can bet that he will be an integral piece to this offense and may end up being the biggest X-factor for this team moving forward.
Think about it: linebackers and safeties are going to have to pay a good deal of attention to Njoku, which will suck in the defense and open up Mayfield to make plays all over the place.
You can't really risk double-teaming anyone in this Browns offense, and Njoku is a huge reason why.
Look for big things from the 22-year-old (twenty-two and he is already this good) in 2019.
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