With training camp just days away, let’s take a look at the bottom half of the Cleveland Browns TE depth chart.
Whereas the top half had a pretty clear pecking order, the bottom half does not.
We know that Stefanski likes TEs so it is possible that 4 will make the team so at least 1 of these guys should be on the opening day roster.
If Njoku gets traded, 2 of them could earn roster spots.
Common Traits
All 3 of them started their careers as undrafted free agents (UDFA).
They are young and inexperienced; the oldest is 26 years old.
Pharaoh Brown
At 26 years of age, Pharaoh Brown enters his 4th NFL season with very limited playing time in the previous 3 seasons.
In fact, he has only played 11 games in his career.
The Oakland Raiders signed Brown as an UDFA in May 2017.
Brown ended up waived, re-signed, designated to the practice squad, promoted to the starting roster, and waived again for the final time in September 2018.
While his tenure with the Raiders was full of transactions, it was not full of reps.
He played 2 games with Oakland and caught 0 passes.
Pharaoh Brown was signed to the Browns practice squad in September 2018.
He was elevated to the starting roster in October 2018.
Another starting offensive player named Brown on the Browns definitely stirred excitement.
But it was not to be a long-term stint.
Brown’s shoulder injury in December resulted in him being put on IR.
With such a limited resume, Brown will have to be stellar at camp to earn a spot on the roster.
Browns dont even need Njoku lol, Hooper is a stud and now we can let the rookie Harrison Bryant emerge as second string, plus we got Pharaoh Brown when we need a strong blocker
— DawgPound (@DawgP0undSZN) July 3, 2020
Stephen Carlson
Stephen Carlson was an UDFA signed by the Browns in 2019.
His alma mater is Princeton.
He was waived, re-signed, and ultimately ended up on the Browns 2019 roster.
Appearing in 9 games, he started in 5 of them.
Carlson’s career-high came on November 14, 2019 when he caught his 1st NFL touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield.
His triumph and the team’s win was ultimately overshadowed by the Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph brawl so Carlson’s TD is but a footnote from that game.
Hooper and Bryant’s arrivals do not necessarily spell doom and gloom for Stephen Carlson.
#Browns assist. director of scouting Glenn Cook said drafting TE Harrison Bryant isn't any indication on futures of David Njoku, Stephen Carlson, need plenty of players at this position with packages Kevin Stefanski likes to use, we're optimistic about Njoku future, like Carlson
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) April 25, 2020
Nate Wieting
Nate Wieting is one of the 15 members of the 2020 class of UDFAs signed by the Browns.
@NFLPABowl | Was very impressed with the blocking clinic that Iowa TE Nate Wieting put on today, he laid down some solid practice film out here in #Pasadena🌹The former walk-on possesses underrated athleticism; was 4-sport athlete in HS. Measured 6037/244/0918/3268/7868. pic.twitter.com/449eHdvAAl
— Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella) January 15, 2020
Wieting caught 10 passes for 117 yards in 2019 at Iowa.
Though his blocking skills are heralded in the above Tweet, they tend to be met with mixed reviews.
His lack of strength at 6’4″ and 244 pounds limits his ability to tackle despite being in the right position.
He was a walk-on at Iowa and earned a starting position during his senior year.
Wieting has special teams experience which could help his cause in making the Browns final roster.
A reserve or practice squad position is also a possibility.
Describing himself as an “NFL junkie“, Wieting is grateful for the opportunity to show what he has.
Is it possible that the Browns are too deep at TE?
It’s hard to say.
We should soon learn more since training camp is scheduled to open on July 28.
