Can David Njoku Put it All Together for Fantasy Football in 2023?

David Njoku is a name that's been echoing around the Browns' training camp. The 6'4", 246-pound tight end is poised for a breakout season, with his impressive performance in training camp turning heads and raising eyebrows. With his first full year with quarterback Deshaun Watson on the horizon, what should we expect from Njoku in 2023?

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Njoku's Career Overview

The Cedar Grove, New Jersey, native has carved out a solid career in the NFL since his college days at the University of Miami. Over his career, he has played a total of 79 games, making 206 receptions for a total of 2,382 yards, averaging 11.6 yards per reception. He has also found the end zone 19 times, proving his worth as a red-zone threat. It’s easy to get excited about an athletically-gifted tight end like Njoku, but his career has been plagued by inconsistencies. Over 20% of his games have resulted in two or fewer targets, while nearly 27% of his games have seen him earn six or more targets.

2022 Season Performance

The 2022 season was a testament to Njoku's growing prominence in the Browns' offense. Playing in 14 games, he seemed to have turned a corner from his inconsistent ways. Njoku only had one game with two or fewer targets last season. Njoku saw at least 80% of the offensive snaps in all but two games. He wound up with 58 receptions, a significant contribution that added a weapon to the Browns' offensive strategies that defenses had to account for. These receptions accounted for a total of 628 yards, demonstrating his ability to gain substantial yardage after the catch. Njoku is in good company when it comes to YAC/Rec.

Njoku averaged 10.8 yards per reception, a figure that underscores his efficiency on the field. His ability to make the most of each catch and turn it into significant yardage was a key factor in the Browns' offensive success. His combination of aDOT and YAC/Rec is among the best in the tight-end landscape.

In terms of scoring, Njoku found the end zone four times over the season. These touchdowns not only contributed to the Browns' overall score but also highlighted Njoku's ability to be a red-zone threat. His size and athleticism make him a challenging matchup for defenders, especially near the goal line.

Overall, Njoku contributed significantly to the Browns' offense in 2022 as a result of consistent performances. His stats from the season reflect his growing role in the team and his potential for even greater success in the future.

Role in the Team

Njoku's role in the Browns' offense is more than just a pass-catcher. His size and athleticism make him a valuable asset in both the passing and running games. He's a reliable target for Watson, especially in high-pressure situations. His chemistry with Watson has been a highlight of the training camp, and it's expected to translate into on-field success in the upcoming season.

Njoku's usage in the Browns' offense has been steadily increasing. His target share and efficiency have been impressive, and his ability to make crucial plays in different game situations has been invaluable. His performance in training camp further highlights his potential for the 2023 season.

Drafting Considerations

Njoku's current ADP has actually fallen a bit on Underdog. It’s essentially fallen a full round to the ninth since drafting opened back in May for best ball. His chemistry with Watson and his expected role in the Browns' offense make him a valuable pick. he's currently the TE11 in early Yahoo drafts, also in the ninth round.

From TE5 to TE15, there’s less than a three-point separation in points per game. Once you miss out on the surefire hits, it’s fine to wait a bit and aim for a guy with upside. Njoku seems to have been the prince that was promised for many years now. If he can put together a full, healthy season with his skill level and an all-the-way-back Deshaun Watson, it’s hard to imagine a finish worse than TE5. With a price tag of TE9 in best ball and TE11 in redraft, we’ll gladly take that performance. A small improvement, say one extra catch for 10 yards per game will easily bridge that gap up to a top-five scorer at the position.

Conclusion

• David Njoku, the 6'4", 246-pound tight end for the Cleveland Browns, is on track to break out, with his first full year with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
• Despite inconsistencies in his career, Njoku has made significant contributions to the Browns' offense, with 206 receptions for a total of 2,382 yards and 19 touchdowns over his career. His performance in the 2022 season showed a promising shift towards consistency.
• Njoku's role in the Browns' offense extends beyond being a pass-catcher. His size, athleticism, and chemistry with Watson make him a valuable asset in both the passing and running games.
• Despite a slight fall in his ADP in drafts, Njoku's expected role in the Browns' offense and his chemistry with Watson make him a valuable pick. His potential for a top-five finish, given a full, healthy season and an all-the-way-back Deshaun Watson, offers promising upside.