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Don't Ignore Cleveland’s Offense In 2025

Cleveland Browns 2025 Overview

Schedule

Wins

Play Calling

Notable Coaching Changes

• OC Tommy Rees replaces Ken Dorsey

Dillon Gabriel

Bottom Line: Gabriel Offers Upside If He Starts

The third-round rookie will likely need development before he can start in the NFL. But his college efficiency and modest rushing upsid, could make Gabriel fantasy relevant if he climbs the depth chart.

2024 Summary

Gabriel Delivered Efficiency in All Areas

Gabriel wrapped up a stellar college career with a strong final season at Oregon, completing 72.9% of his passes for 3,857 yards and 30 TDs over 14 games. 

He also ran for 149 yards and seven TDs.

His 81.9% adjusted completion rate ranked third among Combine QBs. 

He also continued to limit mistakes with just six interceptions (1.3% INT rate). 

He Displayed Precision Passing in Timing-Based Offense

At Oregon, Gabriel operated a quick-strike, timing-based passing game, leaning heavily on short and intermediate throws. 

He also added some rushing, averaging just 21.4 rush yards per game in 2024.

His 447 pass attempts reflect his steady command of high-volume offenses throughout his college career.

Gabriel Surgical in Short Range, Should've Thrown Deep More

Gabriel ranked among the most efficient passers in the 2024 class:

• 72.9% completion rate and 81.9% adjusted completion rate (2nd among Combine QBs)
• 8.6 yards per attempt and 9.4 adjusted yards per attempt
• 86.3 PFF passing grade
• Just 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate (2nd lowest among Combine QBs)

He wasn’t a deep-ball gunslinger (7.0 average target depth, lowest among Combine QBs), but his downfield efficiency remained solid with a 94.7 PFF grade and 56.3% adjusted completion rate on 20+ yard throws.

QB Gains Distance from Injury Questions

Gabriel stayed healthy over the past two seasons.

He did miss one game in 2022 due to a concussion and fractured his left clavicle in 2021, causing him to miss 10 games.

There is no worry about nagging injuries lingering into his pro career.

2025 Expectations

Crowded QB Room Presents Challenges -- And Opportunity

Gabriel should be safe to make the Browns roster after arriving as a third-round pick. Teams generally keep just three QBs on the regular-season roster, though.

The Browns also drafted Shedeur Sanders in Round 5 (in case you hadn't heard), traded for Kenny Pickett, and signed Joe Flacco.

The sheer fact that he's a third-round rookie makes Gabriel an unlikely to start. But he stands a much better chance of getting on the field for this Cleveland team than he would just about anywhere else.

Gabriel Would Inherit Young, Explosive Playmakers

Cleveland offers a young supporting cast, bringing in RBs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the draft.

WR Jerry Jeudy broke out last year with WR Cedric Tillman also flashing talent. The Browns also signed veteran WR Diontae Johnson.

TE David Njoku adds a safety valve and red zone threat.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

Old OC Dialed It Up; New Guy Might Reel It In

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked first in pass attempts (661).

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked first in pass volume and fourth in neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

The offense offered QB-friendly time-to-throw windows, with Jameis Winston ranking top-15 in quick release time (2.75 sec). 

With new OC Tommy Rees calling plays in 2025, the pass rate may come back to earth.

Shedeur Sanders

Bottom Line: Sanders Unlikely To See Playing Time

Sanders gained hype heading into the NFL Draft process, but being only a fifth-round pick makes it unlikely that he'll start at all. If Sanders does see playing time, there are enough young weapons on a fast-paced offense to support fantasy production.

2024 Summary

Shedeur Delivered on the Field; NFL GMs Didn’t Bite

Sanders returned to Colorado for a final college season and lit up the stat sheet: 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and a 74.0% completion rate across 13 games. 

He posted the second-highest completion rate and third-best PFF passing grade (90.5) among 2024 Combine QBs. 

Despite his numbers, he slid to Round 5 (pick 144) in the NFL Draft, landing in Cleveland.

He's Not a Runner, But a Relentless Distributor

At Colorado, Sanders operated a pass-heavy spread offense that leaned on his quick processing and accuracy. 

He attempted 477 passes in 13 games (36.7 per game) and was rarely used as a true runner, averaging just -3.8 rush yards per game due to being the most sacked QB in the country.

Sanders Showcased Downfield Darts and Minimal Mistakes

Sanders excelled in accuracy and ball placement:

• 74.0% completion rate (2nd among Combine QBs)
• 81.8% adjusted completion rate (3rd)
• 1.3% turnover-worthy play rate (2nd)

He also shined downfield with a 90.5 PFF grade on 20+ yard throws (4th) and a 49.3% adjusted completion rate (5th). 

His yards per attempt (8.1) and adjusted yards per attempt (9.3) were among the top in the class, reflecting efficient and explosive passing despite heavy pressure.

One Scare, Then a Clean Bill of Health

Sanders fractured his back toward the end of 2023, causing him to miss the season finale against Utah.

He stayed healthy for the 2024 season.

2025 Expectations

Fighting Uphill: Depth Chart and Draft Capital Work Against Him

Being a fifth-round pick, Sanders will be competing to make the Browns roster. 

Fellow rookie QB Dillon Gabriel was drafted in Round 3, giving Gabriel the draft capital edge.

The team also traded for QB Kenny Pickett and signed QB Joe Flacco.

Unless Sanders can prove he is clearly the best in the QB room, he is unlikely to be the starter early on this season.

Browns Provide Solid Weapons, Strong O-line

Cleveland offers a young supporting cast, bringing in RBs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson in the draft.

WR Jerry Jeudy broke out last year with WR Cedric Tillman also flashing talent. The Browns also signed veteran WR Diontae Johnson.

TE David Njoku adds a safety valve and red zone threat.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

Will the Browns Keep Passing?

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

The offense offered QB-friendly time-to-throw windows, with Jameis Winston ranking top-15 in quick release time (2.75 sec). 

With new OC Tommy Rees calling plays in 2025, the pass rate may come back to earth.

Quinshon Judkins

Bottom Line: Upside Back in Upside Spot

Judkins enters the NFL with a power profile, early production, and elite athleticism for his size. But modest efficiency metrics cloud his long-term fantasy outlook. The potential for him to be a three-down back right away -- combined with a solid run-blocking offensive line -- makes him a viable RB2 target in drafts.

2024 Summary

Judkins Thrived in Columbus

Judkins transferred to Ohio State in 2024 and posted 1,060 rushing yards and 14 TDs on 194 carries (5.46 YPC) across 16 games. 

He added 161 receiving yards and two TDs on 22 catches, rounding out his game with a touch of receiving.

Judkins’ 90.0 PFF rushing grade last year ranked ninth among Combine RBs.

Early-Down Hammer with Limited Passing Game Usage

In 2024, Judkins split carries with fellow second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson. He outgained Henderson on the ground 1,060 yards to 1,016 (though Judkins had 50 more carries). 

He only saw 5.8% of team targets, which ranked 23rd among RBs at the NFL Combine. 

He primarily worked between the tackles and on early downs but showcased soft hands and red zone receiving ability in the College Football Playoff.

Judkins Won on Volume, Not Elusiveness

Despite strong counting stats, Judkins’ advanced metrics were mixed:

• 3.04 yards after contact per attempt (28th among the 31 Combine RBs)
• 0.22 missed tackles forced per attempt (21st)
• 69.3 PFF Elusive Rating  (25th)
• -1.0 rush yards over expected per attempt (worst among that group)
• 8.8% breakaway run rate (14th)

Freshman Flash, Veteran Reliability: A Strong College Career

Judkins burst onto the scene as a freshman at Ole Miss with 1,565 yards and 16 TDs. 

His raw production declined in 2023 but rebounded at Ohio State with more efficiency and slightly improved receiving numbers. 

Across three years, he totaled over 3,700 rushing yards and 45 total TDs, showing consistency as a runner and a nose for the end zone.

Judkins Never Missed A Game

Judkins stayed healthy across all three college seasons, never missing a single game.

He did have a minor hand procedure this past season at Ohio State, but it did not cause any missed time.

2025 Expectations

Judkins Enters as Favorite in Crowded, Unproven Backfield

Judkins was the first RB drafted by Cleveland (Round 2, Pick 63) and projects as a primary early-down and red-zone option. 

Fellow rookie Dylan Samspon was drafted in the fourth round and will likely be developed as a potential pass-catching threat.

Veterans Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. could compete with Judkins early for touches, but they offer little upside.

Wide-Open Offense Features Young WRs, Quality O-line

Cleveland’s QB situation is open with the Browns bringing in QBs Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco while also drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

In terms of the passing game, WR Jerry Jeudy broke out last year with Cedric Tillman also flashing talent. The Browns also signed veteran Diontae Johnson.

TE David Njoku adds a safety valve and red zone threat.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 14th in ESPN’s run block win rate last year. 

More Offensive Balance Could Unlock Judkins’ Ceiling

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

With new OC Tommy Rees calling plays in 2025, the pass rate may come back to earth to breath life into the running game.

Dylan Sampson

Bottom Line: Receiving Role Would Mean PPR Upside

Sampson enters the NFL as a dynamic, undersized playmaker with elite elusiveness and receiving upside. Drafted behind Quinshon Judkins, he’ll battle for a complementary role but has the traits to carve out instant passing-down value. That makes him an interesting end-of-draft flier, particularly in PPR leagues.

2024 Summary

Sampson Lit Up 2024 at Just 20 Years Old

Sampson erupted in his final season at Tennessee, posting 1,491 rushing yards and 22 TDs on 258 carries (5.8 yards per carry). 

He added 143 receiving yards on 20 catches and was a consistent big-play threat in both phases. 

He did all of this at the age of 20, the youngest RB at this year’s NFL Combine.

Limited Receiving Role, But Flashes of Something Bigger

Sampson handled a featured workload in 2024, accounting for 58.4% of Tennessee’s RB rushing yards and commanding a 7.0% target share. 

He lined up in the slot or out wide on only 3.5% of snaps in 2024. The offense mostly targeted Sampson behind the line, with a -0.4 average target depth.

Despite the lack of receiving usage, that could be Sampson’s NFL role as he showcased soft hands and elusiveness in space. 

He Proved Efficient, Especially After Contact

Sampson ranked among the top 15 of RBs at the NFL Combine in several categories:

• 3.6 yards after contact per attempt
• 0.27 missed tackles forced per attempt
• 107.5 PFF Elusive Rating
• 0.4 rushing yards over expected
• 6.6% breakaway rate

He also ranked top five with a 2024 PFF rushing grade of 90.9. 

Sampson Improved Every Year

Sampson improved all three years at Tennessee, culminating in elite 2024 production and efficiency. 

Every season his role increased, improving in:

• carries
• rushing Yards
• rushing TDs
• receptions

Durability Check: Passed with Ease

Sampson avoided major injuries throughout college and enters the NFL with a clean bill of health. 

His only notable injury was a hamstring that forced him out of his final game vs. Ohio State in the playoffs.

2025 Expectations

Pass-Game Potential Could Earn Sampson Early Role

Despite being drafted in Round 4, Sampson has a chance to earn a role this season.

The Browns spent a second-round pick on Quinshon Judkins, who is expected to be the lead back.

They also still have RBs Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr.

Sampson will likely compete with Ford for snaps, but the rookie’s youth and potential as a receiver gives him much more upside than Ford. 

QBs Look Uncertain, But Skill Group Loaded

Cleveland’s QB situation is open with the Browns bringing in QBs Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco while also drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

In terms of the passing game, WR Jerry Jeudy broke out last year with Cedric Tillman also flashing talent. The Browns also signed veteran Diontae Johnson.

TE David Njoku adds a safety valve and red zone threat.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 14th in ESPN’s run block win rate last year. 

Rushing Rebound Would Boost Opportunity

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

With new OC Tommy Rees calling plays in 2025, the pass rate may come back to earth to breath life into the running game.

Sampson could benefit if he can earn a pass-catching role.

Jerry Jeudy

Bottom Line: QB Question Makes Jeudy an Iffy Target

Jeudy delivered his most productive NFL season in 2024, fueled by volume and a late-season surge. The QB situation and overall offense could cap his upside in 2025, however, making Jeudy a WR3 at best.

2024 Summary

Top-20 Finish, WR3 Feel: Jeudy Inconsistent Despite Career Highs

Jeudy posted career highs in targets (144), receptions (90), and yards (1,229), finishing 16th among WRs in total PPR fantasy points (236.9).

But his 13.9 PPR points per game ranked just 30th. That was well below his WR13 expected points per game, due to low TD output (4) and inconsistency. 

He managed two top-5 finishes but also failed to crack the top 24 in 11 games.

When Cooper Sat, Jeudy Soared

Jeudy operated primarily as an outside receiver (64% snaps). His role shifted dramatically based on Amari Cooper’s presence:

• With Cooper (6 games): 6.0 targets per game, WR64 in PPR points per game
• Without Cooper (11 games): 9.9 targets per game, WR10 in PPR points per game

He commanded a 23.6% target share without Cooper and was clearly the focal point of the passing game in those games.

Middling Metrics Raise Long-Term Questions

Jeudy’s efficiency remained middling despite the increased production:

• 75.2 PFF receiving grade (34th of 84 WRs with 50+ targets)
• 1.72 yards per route (38th)
• 3.9 yards after catch per reception (36th) 

His 8.7% drop rate (24th) was slightly elevated but not disastrous. 

Volume-Fueled Role in a Pass-Heavy System

Cleveland’s offense, under OC Ken Dorsey, ranked second in pace and fifth in pass rate (65%), creating plenty of opportunity. 

The offensive line finished 10th in pass blocking, helping support a high-volume aerial attack that often had to play from behind. 

Jeudy benefited most when Cooper missed time, opening up available targets for him.

2024 marked Jeudy’s first 1,000-yard season and the highest fantasy finish of his career. 

His 145 targets and 90 receptions were both personal bests.

Durability a Plus for First Time in Years

Jeudy stayed healthy across all 17 games in 2024, his first full season since 2020.

In 2021, a high ankle sprain cost him six games.

In 2022, Jeudy dealt with another ankle issue, causing him to miss two games.

In 2023, a hamstring injury during practice kept him out for the first week of the season.

2025 Expectations

Jeudy Likely the No. 1, But New Challenges Arrive

Jeudy projects as Cleveland’s top WR heading into 2024.

The Browns did add WR Diontae Johnson in free agency and bring back a healthy Cedric Tillman.

The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired, including Jamari Thrash, David Bell, and Deandre Carter.

Jeudy should see a full complement of snaps and play both outside and in the slot.

WRs Sport Upside; QB Situation Could Sink 'Em

The Browns QB situation is among the worst in the NFL. 

They traded for QB Kenny Pickett and added QB Joe Flacco, neither boasting a starting QB profile.

Adding third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders doesn’t move the needle either.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

Volume a 2024 Positive; 2025 Might Flip That

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate.

The Browns led the league in pass rate and total pass attempts and checked in fourth in neutral pass rate.

Those numbers could dip with the potential for worse QB play and new OC Tommy Rees. How much that balance swings back toward the run could strongly impact Jeudy's fantasy production.

Diontae Johnson

Bottom Line: Ceiling Looks Enticing But the Floor's Scary

Johnson showed he still has talent with early production in Carolina. But we can't ignore the crash that included a second trade and two releases. Johnson could emerge as Cleveland's top WR or end up buried behind fantasy-irrelevant weapons. That means a nice ceiling but a scary-low floor. Getting him very late in your draft removes most of the risk.

2024 Summary

Hot Start in Carolina Gets Iced After Trade

Johnson spread 12 games among three teams in 2024: 

• seven with the Panthers
• four with the Ravens
• one with the Texans 

He totaled just 89.1 PPR points (WR85).

Johnson averaged 8.1 points per game (WR76), with three top-12 finishes -- all with Carolina. 

Johnson disappeared from fantasy relevance entirely after the trade to Baltimore, finishing no higher than WR79 for any game after Week 6.

Johnson’s 84.3 points over the first seven weeks with Carolina put him on pace to finish with 204.7 points, which would have been good for WR27.

He drew 67 targets in 11 games (6.1 per game). 

Efficiency Collapsed Alongside His Fantasy Value

Johnson's efficiency declined in 2024:

• 1.57 yards per route (51st)
• 3.0 yards after catch per reception (65th)
• 6.1% drop rate (37th)

Though off-field concerns may have played a part, Johnson’s overall level of play dipped since his days as a Steeler. His 66.4 PFF receiving grade ranked just 59th among WRs with 50+ targets.

Johnson Flashed Amid Chaos in Carolina

Carolina’s offense was a mess early in 2024, but Johnson still produced with three WR1-level fantasy finishes. 

Even with QB Andy Dalton at the helm for most of Johnson’s games as a Panther, HC Dave Canales’ offense utilized Johnson’s sharp route running and slant abilities.

Baltimore was more efficient overall, but Johnson struggled to carve out a role after being traded there. 

Once a Target Machine, Now a Question Mark

Johnson’s 2024 output marked a career-low in every major category. 

After five straight seasons with at least 85 targets and 650+ yards in Pittsburgh, he saw a dramatic drop in both volume and efficiency. 

While he's still only 28, the sharp decline raises questions about whether he's trending toward irrelevancy.

Durability Is a Growing Concern

In 2024, Johnson missed Week 8 with a rib injury and played through a mild groin pull early in the year.

In 2023, he missed five games with a hamstring injury.

He has missed at least one regular season game due to injury every year since 2020.

2025 Expectations

The Talent's There, But So Are the Obstacles

Johnson projects as a rotational piece in Cleveland behind Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, though he has enough talent to ascend further up the depth chart. 

If he can showcase the ability to be an easy checkdown option for a mediocre QB group, Johnson could find a role relatively early in the season. 

Of course, this could be similar to the Ravens situation from last year and Johnson may lag behind less talented players like Jamari Thrash and David Bell.

Johnson Needs Help from League's Worst QB Room

The Browns QB situation is among the worst in the NFL. 

They traded for QB Kenny Pickett and added QB Joe Flacco, neither boasting a starting QB profile.

Adding third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders doesn’t move the needle either.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

Another High Pass Rate Would Help

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

Those numbers could dip with the potential for worse QB play and new OC Tommy Rees, but a high pass rate and pace could help Johnson become fantasy-relevant again.

Cedric Tillman

Bottom Line: WR3 Upside With Health and Volume 

Tillman flashed starter-level upside in limited action during 2024, but a lingering concussion halted his breakout. He enters 2025 as a high-upside depth option if the Browns’ QBs can support multiple WRs.

2024 Summary

Big Plays in Small Samples: Tillman Made the Most of His Moments

Tillman recorded stats in just nine games, delivering 80.4 PPR points (WR90) with an average of 8.9 PPR points per game (WR66). 

His production came in spurts, including three top-12 finishes in Weeks 7-9. But Tillman failed to finish inside the top 50 any other week.

When given starter-level usage, he briefly flirted with WR1 territory.

Targets Flooded In After Cooper Trade

Tillman’s playing time varied, but in four games with a route rate over 80%, he averaged 10.0 targets per game on a 21.5% target share. 

In that stretch, he ranked fourth among WRs in expected PPR points per game and ninth in actual points per game, showing real fantasy potential when given a full workload. 

That stretch also came with WR Amari Cooper out of the lineup. Tillman barely played while Cooper was active, but averaged 8.8 targets per game and 66 receiving yards per game without Cooper in 2024.

He played mostly outside (72.2%) with occasional slot work (27.2%).

Tillman’s per-route efficiency lagged:

• 1.22 yards per route (74th of WRs with 30+ targets)
• 65.8 PFF receiving grade (70th)
• 3.8 yards after catch per reception and 12.3 aDOT show Tillman’s downfield role when he was targeted.

High Pace and Volume Gave Tillman a Shot

Cleveland’s offense, under OC Ken Dorsey, ranked second in pace and fifth in pass rate (65%), creating plenty of opportunity. 

The offensive line finished 10th in pass blocking, helping support a high-volume aerial attack that often had to play from behind. 

Tillman benefited most when Cooper missed time, opening up available targets for him.

After a quiet rookie season, Tillman took a step forward in 2024 with flashes of legit production in a starter role when Cooper was out of the lineup. 

This was definitely a step in the right direction for Tillman to earn a full-time starting role.

Concussions Now a Red Flag

Tillman missed the Browns’ playoff game after the 2023 season due to a concussion.

He sustained another concussion last season in Week 12, causing him to miss the final six games of the season.

His concussion history is beginning to become concerning for Tillman’s long-term outlook.

2025 Expectations

He's Locked in at 'X' But Targets Could Be Tight

Tillman enters 2025 as the expected starter at the X position for the Browns.

Jerry Jeudy should continue to be the No. 1 WR, being moved around the formation, while the signing of Diontae Johnson gives the Browns a third receiving threat.

TE David Njoku will also siphon targets, especially in the red zone.

The rest of the WR group, including Jamari Thrash and David Bell, doesn’t pose a threat to Tillman’s role.

QB Play Could Limit All the WRs

The Browns QB situation is among the worst in the NFL. 

They traded for QB Kenny Pickett and added QB Joe Flacco, neither boasting a starting QB profile.

Adding third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders doesn’t move the needle either.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

If Volume Remains, Tillman Will Get His Shot

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

Those numbers could dip with the potential for worse QB play and new OC Tommy Rees, but a high pass rate and pace should help Tillman produce enough volume to be fantasy relevant.

David Njoku

Bottom Line: Njoku an Underrated Top-5 Candidate

Njoku delivered a career-best fantasy season in 2024, thriving in a fast-paced, pass-heavy offense. He enters 2025 as a high-volume TE1 with top-five upside if his target share and usage hold.

2024 Summary

Top-6 Output at Fantasy’s Thinnest Position

Njoku racked up 144.5 fantasy points (TE12) in just 11 games, averaging 13.1 PPR points per game, good for TE6. 

His five TDs tied for ninth among TEs, while his 97 targets ranked sixth.

He posted seven top-10 finishes, establishing himself as a weekly difference-maker at a volatile position. 

Versatile Role Draws Heavy Target Volume

Njoku was heavily involved when on the field, especially in games with starter-level usage. 

In eight games with a route rate of 60%+, he averaged 9.9 targets and a 23.6% target share, ranking TE3 in expected PPR points per game. 

He played 56.7% of snaps in-line and 30% from the slot, giving him versatility in both base and spread sets.

Njoku's efficiency was solid but not elite:

• 1.36 yards per route (23rd among TEs with 30+ targets)
• 65.3 PFF receiving grade (29th)
• 4.3 yards after catch per reception and 0.8 YAC over expectation
• 5.0% drop rate (11th lowest)

His 23.7% targets per route run ranked sixth among qualified TEs, reflecting his strong ability to earn targets. 

He was frequently a first read (21.7%, 6th among TEs), signaling trusted usage in the Browns’ offense.

Clean Hands + After-Catch Juice = Production

Cleveland’s offense, under OC Ken Dorsey, ranked second in pace and fifth in pass rate (65%), creating plenty of opportunity. 

The offensive line finished 10th in pass blocking, helping support a high-volume aerial attack that often had to play from behind. 

Njoku followed up a breakout 2023 (20.6% target share, TE9 finish) with even better per-game numbers in 2024. 

His usage climbed from 23.1% to 23.7% targets per route run, and he matched his career high in TDs despite missing time. 

He’s now posted back-to-back years as a top-12 PPR fantasy TE.

Njoku Racked Up Numbers Despite Pair of Injuries

Njoku missed three games in 2024 due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 1. This was the second time in his career that Njoku missed games with a high-ankle sprain.

He also missed three of the last four games due to a hamstring injury.

2025 Expectations

Still a Red-Zone Threat and Key Target Earner

Njoku returns as Cleveland’s clear-cut starting TE. The Browns added rookie Harold Fannin, but he projects as more of a slot receiver than true TE.

While the WR room got a bit deeper with the addition of Diontae Johnson to Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, Njoku’s red-zone usage and route versatility should keep him near the top of the target hierarchy.

Browns Boast Steady Protection But Unsteady QB Situation

The Browns QB situation is among the worst in the NFL. 

They traded for QB Kenny Pickett and added QB Joe Flacco, neither boasting a starting QB profile.

Adding third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders doesn’t move the needle either.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year. 

New OC, Same Hope: Scheme Should Keep Njoku Busy

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%). 

Those numbers could dip with the potential for worse QB play and new OC Tommy Rees, but a high pass rate and pace should help Njoku garner enough volume to be fantasy relevant. 

Njoku’s Usage Says Top-5 TE Is in Reach

Njoku’s year-over-year growth in target rate, scoring, and role solidify his status as a locked-in TE1. His elite usage when running full routes offers top-5 upside, and Cleveland’s offensive pace gives him a strong floor. If he stays healthy, Njoku could deliver his best fantasy season yet in 2025.

How Do Browns Fit in the Rankings?

Does that Cleveland player you're considering make sense as a draft target? Only one way to find out.

Check the fantasy football rankings for your format now to see if we like him as much as you do.

The video below finds Jared and Matt discussing David Njoku's place in TE rankings ...

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