The Cleveland Browns lost starting tight end David Njoku, who said his goodbyes to the Cleveland fanbase after he joined the free agent list.
Harold Fannin was brought to the roster in last year’s NFL draft, played well, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. Veteran Blake Whiteheart was re-signed, and Jack Stoll came to the roster in the second wave of free agency.
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In addition, in January, Sal Cannella and Caden Prieskorn were signed to reserve/futures contracts.
So, this group has plenty of bodies. Could GM Andrew Berry draft another young buck with the good luck he achieved with bringing in Fannin last year?
Nate Boerkircher projects well as a potential dual-threat tight end. He has very good potential for any team that expects to run quite a bit. He has the ability as a receiver as well and has shown promise as a route-runner with a large catch radius and reliable hands.
TE Nate Boerkircher
Draft projection: Round 5
Browns pick: #141
Specifics:
Career Touchdowns: 4
Accolades: Senior Bowl invitee
Positives:
- High football IQ
- Competitive toughness
- Quality TE2
- Exceptional run blocker
- Wide catch radius
- Uses heavy hands
- Competitive and very physical
- Finisher as a blocker
- Route stem awareness
Negatives:
- Lack of offensive usage in college
- Lack of explosiveness
- Pass protection needs improvement
- Tends to bend at the waist
- Weak in control at the point of attack
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Nate Boerkircher is a prime candidate to emerge as a “Jackson Hawes” style of late-round TE. He caught just 38 passes in a five-year career at Texas A&M, but distinguished himself in other ways for the Aggies. At around 6’4″, 250 pounds, with solid functional length, Boerkircher is built well as a two-phase TE, and he makes his most effusive mark in the blocking phase. He has a functional strength and power profile that can contend right away in the NFL, and he’s a tenacious, technically sound blocker as well. He acquires leverage well and consistently drives his feet through blocks; he understands attack angles, he engages with forceful hands and imposing push, and he’s a competent pass protector who can serve as a sixth blocker on passing downs with his steady footwork and anchor. The same functional athleticism that makes Boerkircher so imposing as a moving blocker also underlies some moderate receiving upside.
