The Cleveland Browns added 15 undrafted free agents following the 2020 NFL Draft.
Most of these players are going to have an uphill battle to climb if they want to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Browns are expected to use a two-tight end often going into the 2020 campaign.
Having a two-tight end set means that you need more depth at that spot on the roster.
Could undrafted Iowa tight end Nate Wieting have a chance to make the roster?
Wieting’s College Career
He was a walk-on that actually started during his senior year at Iowa.
Wieting did not see much action until his final year in college.
He combined to record three receptions for 68 yards during his 2017 and 2018 seasons.
It is impressive to go from walk-on to starting tight end, but he does not have a ton of experience.
He hauled in 10 receptions for 117 receiving yards through five games his senior year.
Wieting does not quite have the stats to back up his game, but he does have talent.
His best features are his blocking ability and his excellent vision, but Wieting also has a quick release that helps him on passing routes.
Why Didn’t Wieting Get Drafted?
Wieting was viewed as a late-round prospect, but organizations decided to wait until after the draft.
There is some upside to his game, but no organization was willing to use a draft pick on Wieting.
@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
The main reason he was not drafted is because of the obvious injury issues.
He only missed two games due to a calf issue last season, but was sidelined quite often throughout his college career.
He was viewed as a draftable prospect, but is best attribute is his blocking ability.
Wieting is a player that works hard and gives it his all, but he lacks experience when it comes to running routes and making receptions.
Browns Depth Chart
The Browns are heading into camp with plenty of tight ends on the roster.
Most notably, Pro Bowler Austin Hooper will be their main option at the tight end spot.
Cleveland is likely going to have a battle between David Njoku and fourth-round pick Harrison Bryant for the second tight end spot on the roster.
Nate Stanley ➡️ Nate Wieting sets up Drake Kulick's 1-yard TD
Iowa 27-20, 3:09 4th | https://t.co/hdlMwtuLDX pic.twitter.com/huIC4C1KU4
— On Iowa Sports (@GazetteOnIowa) December 28, 2017
However, after those three, there aren’t many guarantees at the tight end spot.
The organization may decide to carry four tight ends on the roster.
That means Wieting might have a fighting chance to make the roster out of camp.
Will Wieting Make The Roster?
It sounds like Pharaoh Brown, Stephen Carlson, and Wieting are going to battle for the final tight end spot on the team.
The other two players do have more experience than Wieting, but he is an elite blocker, which could be useful to the Browns.
It’s unlikely that Wieting ever becomes a starting tight end in the league.
However, he could be helpful as a blocker and someone to use on special teams.
It’ll be an uphill battle for him, but he might have a chance to snag one of those final roster spots on the team.
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