Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that the team is looking to grow the role of the tight end this season.
The first season in Cleveland did not go for tight end Austin Hooper. After signing a very large contract the expectations were high and they were obviously not met. Hooper finished the 2020 campaign with 46 catches on 70 targets for 435 yards and four touchdowns, a large drop-off from his numbers the previous season which saw 75 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns in Atlanta.
A combination of the disappointing season from Austin Hooper combined with nonsensical infatuation with the third tight end on the roster has led to discussions about the role of both on the team. While there is a contingent that wants more David Njoku, it does not seem like that is going to happen. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski stated that the team is going to grow the role of Austin Hooper.
#Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said we’re going to grow the role of TE Austin Hooper
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) July 31, 2021
Considering the already established receivers of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, an expanded role for Austin Hooper leaves little for any other option in the receiving game. This is before taking into account the dynamic running back combo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. At some point there is no longer enough to go around and certain players no longer become incorporated into the offense on a regular basis. The skill positions that the team is leaning on being integral parts are the names listed in the previous few sentences. Sure, there will be times for Njoku, Harrison Bryant, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins, KhaDarel Hodge, and Anthony Schwartz to make plays, but they are not the key players in the offense. The offense will continue to revolve around those who are locked into starting positions on the offense and not everyone’s favorite type of player, the backup.
