Browns 2023 Training Camp Preview: Tight Ends
One of the more intriguing topics throughout the 2023 offseason has been centered around the tight end usage in the Cleveland Browns "new" offense.
Similar to Cleveland's current offensive line situation, tight end group should be above average heading into the upcoming season. The incumbent stalwarts of David Njoku and Harrison Bryant should continue to be reliable targets for Deshaun Watson in the short to intermediate passing game. Jordan Akins was signed in free agency to provide both experienced depth and a familiar face for Watson. He played with Watson in Houston for three seasons, and seemingly developed a successful on-field connection throughout their time together.
Akins also brings some diversity to Cleveland's tight end room in terms of his experience as a flex or "F" tight end. Houston consistently used him all over the field during his time as a Texan, often lining up or motioning into the slot in order to take advantage of his above average ball skills. Kevin Stefanski and Co. should easily be able to find ways to take advantage of his skillset in 2023 and beyond.
Acquisitions:
Jordan Akins (Free Agency), Thomas Greaney (UDFA)
Departures:
None
Returnees:
David Njoku, Harrison Bryant, Zaire Mitchell-Paden
Projected Week 1 Depth Chart:
Tight End
1. David Njoku
2. Jordan Akins
3. Harrison Bryant
Camp battle to watch:
David Njoku vs. Jordan Akins for the situational "F" tight end role. This is the tight end that usually moves around the formation, whether that's motioning pre-snap or lining up in the slot or out wide. There are usually three main reasons that offenses use utilize an "F" tight end.
1. Create a positional mismatch in coverage.
2. Spread the defense out by forcing defenses to pull a linebacker out of the box.
3. Better blocking on the edge or perimeter.
Biggest question marks heading into training camp:
How will the tight ends be used in 2023?
The Browns are likely transitioning to a more spread-out, "pass happy" type of offense in 2023 and beyond. Though the thought of adding more "spread" tendencies might lead you to believe that there's going to be big changes made to every position group, that might not necessarily be the case.
Bill Musgrave was brought in this offseason to be the Senior Offensive Assistant to Alex Van Pelt and Kevin Stefanski due to his experience with spread/gun offensive systems. Both Musgrave and Stefanski especially value the tight end position in regards to blocking, as well as in the short to intermediate passing game. Based on the recent history of Musgrave and Stefanski, if you were to morph both of their specialties and offensive schemes together, you'd get some sort of hybrid west coast/spread variation.
In terms of overall tight end usage in 2023, there might not be as drastic of a change as some might think. A lot of the routes and route combinations should be similar to how it's been over the past two seasons, but the main adjustment might simply be how often tight ends line up away from the formation. Cleveland might flex an "F" tight end out in the slot more often and run crossing route variations, in an effort to spread the defense out and stretch the field horizontally rather than vertically. This could lead to a more efficient run game as well due to defenses having to adjust and "widen" defensive structures to match different offensive alignments.
How many snaps will Jordan Akins see?
Jordan Akins was signed for a specific reason, and that's because of his positional versatility and familiarity with Deshaun Watson. He has ample experience lining up in the slot, in a "nasty" split, and out wide throughout his career in Houston, as mentioned before. These are all things that Cleveland will be doing more of with their tight ends in order to take advantage of specific weak spots in opposing defenses. He's also a great athlete, like Njoku, that could be an effective redzone target and utilized there more often than not. It's hard to put a number on it right now, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Akins play 350+ snaps in 2023.
How many tight ends will Cleveland keep on the active roster in 2023?
Three is the number that makes the most sense as of right now. It would be hard to see a Kevin Stefanski-led team with less than three tight ends, as well as any more than that based on what Cleveland wants to do going forward. There's no real reason to roster a fourth tight end when you could use that spot for another key position on either side of the ball.
If the Browns are planning on using less 12 and 13 personnel, then there's no reason to carry more than three in 2023.
