5 2021 NFL Draft prospect fits for Cleveland Browns: Week 11

4. TE Hunter Long

Florida’s Kyle Pitts gets all of the draft hype because of his silky-smooth route-running at 6-foot-6, but as far as all-around tight ends go, Long has an argument as the best in the class. He’s got great size at 6-foot-5 250 pounds, good athleticism, solid blocking ability (and good effort in that area, which is just as, if not more important), and is about as reliable as they come.

The Browns just signed Austin Hooper to the richest TE contract in NFL history (at the time, at least), exercised 2017 first-rounder David Njoku’s option for 2021, and drafted Harrison Bryant (who has had a nice rookie year) in the first round, so why would they be interested in adding another tight end?

Because Kevin Stefanski’s offense uses tight ends more than any other team except perhaps the Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns use multiple tight ends on nearly every play, and for good reason; if you have the correct personnel, the tight end position can be a devastating weapon to use against defenses.

They are often too big for defensive backs to cover, and too quick for linebackers. They also add protection for quarterbacks and contribute in the run game. And yet, despite all this potential and versatility, they are consistently undervalued in free agency and in the draft.

Njoku requested a trade this year, and still appears to want out of Cleveland. Even if he does stick around for 2021, the likelihood of him re-signing does not seem to be too high. The Browns could absolutely use another all-around tight end like Long, and you can bet that Stefanski wouldn’t have any trouble figuring out how to use him.