It’s not often that an NFL team has the opportunity to roster two tight ends with almost identical skillsets, but the Browns have the option to do so with North Carolina State TE Justin Joly.
He’s an exceptional athlete and can do most of the things that Harold Fannin Jr. can do from a schematic standpoint in Cleveland, though the YAC ability probably isn’t there yet with Joly.
It’s no secret that Todd Monken utilizes multiple tight ends in his offense, and though the Browns just signed Jack Stoll,
they still need to find another player who can handle a legitimate amount of work in a true, pass-catching role in the future.
Justin Joly could be a really intriguing fit for Cleveland because his skill set aligns well with what Monken’s offense typically asks of its tight ends.
At NC State, Joly showed the ability to operate as a versatile weapon in multiple areas of the field, lining up inline, flexed out, or offset in the backfield. Monken’s offense has long valued tight ends who can contribute both as blockers in the run game and as chain-movers in the passing game, and Joly has enough size, physicality, and field awareness to make him a natural fit in a depth role behind Harold Fannin Jr. in 2026 and beyond.
His willingness to engage in the run game would also complement what should be a more physical rushing identity this year, while his receiving upside gives the offense another option over the middle and in play-action concepts.
In a new offensive system that values toughness and versatility at the position, Joly has the tools to carve out a meaningful role in Cleveland’s offense. Also, if something were to happen to Harold Fannin Jr., Joly should be able to step in right away and provide a similar type of weapon for whoever the quarterback ends up being in 2026.
