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Cleveland Browns 2024 training camp position group preview: Tight ends
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- Cleveland Browns 2024 training camp position group preview: Tight ends
BEREA — Training camp is fast approaching for the Browns .
Rookies are scheduled to report on July 22, with the veterans coming in the next day. The Browns will then head to the Greenbrier in West Virginia on July 25 for the first of seven practices over nine days there before returning to Berea for the remainder of camp.
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Leading up to the start of camp, each Browns position group is getting its moment in the spotlight. Today, the tight ends take center stage.
For the previous position group previews, look here:
Here's a look at the Browns tight ends heading into training camp.
Browns tight end David Njoku reaches for a pass during minicamp June 13, 2024, in Berea.
On the Cleveland Browns roster: Tight ends
David Njoku , Jordan Akins , Zaire Mitchell-Paden , Treyton Welch
Projected starter: David Njoku
The breakout season for which the Browns have waited since taking Njoku in the first round in 2017 finally happened a year ago: 81 catches, 882 yards, six touchdowns and his first Pro Bowl selection. Now, they're looking for a repeat, if not something that even exceeds those numbers. Njoku will be featured heavily in the new Ken Dorsey-coordinated offense, and could be viewed as the No. 2 receiving target behind Amari Cooper . One thing to look for is how they use Njoku in the new scheme, at least in terms of alignment. Could we see him lined up wide even more than the 78 times he was in 2023? It's possible.
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One to watch: Jordan Akins
Akins was signed a year ago in part because of a history with quarterback Deshaun Watson from their time together with the Houston Texans . From 2018 through 2020, Akins was targeted by Watson specifically 129 times for 90 catches for 1,046 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, Watson's injury trouble last year prevented the two from reconnecting beyond four catches for 33 yards in seven games. The bigger question is how much opportunity could be there for Akins in the new offensive scheme, which may feature more four wide receiver looks than two tight ends sets. Still, with only four tight ends on the roster, and only Njoku and Akins having NFL experience, the veteran should have chances
Potential training camp battle: Zaire Mitchell-Paden vs. Treyton Welch for No. 3 tight end
This, of course, assumes the Browns intend on keeping three tight ends on the roster, at least initially. Or that they don't find another one between now and the Sept. 8 opener against the Dallas Cowboys . Mitchell-Paden has spent the last two years on the cusp of making the roster, only to end up spending the entire season as a practice-squad player. With Harrison Bryant having departed in free agency, this could be the chance for him to make the roster after two years of knocking on the door. Welch was signed as an undrafted free agent rookie out of the University of Wyoming, where he had 53 catches for 616 yards combined over the last two seasons.
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Impact of injuries entering training camp
There are none of any significance.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns training camp preview: David Njoku and tight ends
