David Njoku has requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. After months of speculation, it seems that Njoku would like to be traded to a team where he feels more respected. This off season the Browns signed Austin Hooper to a record deal. Additionally, they drafted tight end Harrison Bryant in the fourth round. With Njoku on the trade block now, let’s take a look at why he would make sense to join the Packers.
TE1
The Packers enter the season with Marcedes Lewis, Jace Sternberger, and Robert Tonyan. Many expect a big time jump from Jace Sternberger and for him to take on the role of the starting tight end. Although Sternberger shows potential, the Packers’ uncertainty at wide receiver might be too much for them to bank on potential. David Njoku has faced injuries recently, but in 2018 he was very productive with 639 yards, 56 catches, and four touchdowns. Njoku could come in and be able to take over as the teams’ number one tight end. The Packers could be able to compensate for their weak wide receiver room with a trade for Njoku. The team would also be able to then run their two tight end sets with Njoku and Sternberger, who are both very athletic tight ends.
The Offense
On the surface, the move may not seem smart, but it could be just the right move – mainly because the Packers seem to be shifting to a more run oriented offense. This means they will probably use more heavy sets than in previous years. That shift naturally will lead to more play action in two or three tight end sets. The Packers already have an excellent blocking tight end in Marcedes Lewis. However, they haven’t had much receiving production out of the position since 2011 when Jermichael Finley was on the team. Ultimately, adding an actual receiving threat like Njoku at tight end could really benefit the Packers’ offense.
As Always
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