Why Browns TE David Njoku can live up to the hype

Across the SB Nation network today, all NFL blogs are writing a post on a player they are excited about for the 2017 season. Much like there was some liberty to be taken with the criteria for our “star power” posts last week, the same holds true for this one.

I could get excited about Browns left tackle Joe Thomas any day of the week, because he’s way more established than any other player in this organization. But for the purpose of this post, I’m looking for someone with a chance to make either a new impact. With our tight end preview for training camp set to start today, I might as well get a jump start on it by saying that I’m most excited by what David Njoku can bring to the table in 2017.

We just got finished reviewing what looks to be a pretty weak receiver position compared to other NFL teams. One of the ways the team is expected to compensate for that is by using two tight ends -- and the team believed so much in Njoku’s ability to contribute from Day 1 that they cut a solid veteran tight end in Gary Barnidge right after selecting him.

Tight ends don’t necessarily log a ton of yards in a Hue Jackson system, but they should be a big factor down near the red zone and when it comes to piling up receptions. Njoku has the athleticism to go up and win one-on-one situations with many of the linebackers, safeties, or cornerbacks he’ll be going up against this year. If the Browns stay committed to the running game as much as I think they will, expect Njoku to be the team’s go-to target when they do decide to go through the air.

How about you? Which Browns player are you most excited about for 2017?