Are Phins Interested in TE David Njoku?
Should Phins have an interest in David Njoku?
We are locked in the doldrums of summer, which for NFL fans means there’s not a lot to talk about. A tidbit of news came though when the Browns Tight End David Njoku requested a trade before the start of Training Camp. Njoku was a first-round pick for the Browns three years ago, but the writing was on the wall after they signed Pro Bowl TE Austin Hooper.
So, could the Dolphins be his next home?
Maybe the former Hurricane finds going back to play in Miami intriguing?
Miami has a young and promising Mike Gesicki, but he isn’t good at inline blocking and is more of a slot receiver than Tight End. Also, beyond Gesicki there are just a bunch of ‘bodies’ on the roster. So, maybe the addition of Njoku would give Miami depth at the position and a promising one-two punch at Tight End?
David Njoku was on the rise until his injury
While Njoku missed most of last season with an injury, he’s just 23 years old and played well the prior two seasons. In 2018, when Njoku played all 16 games, he had a good season with 56 catches for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2017 and 2018 Njoku earned a solid 66.3 and 66.4 PFF grade, respectively. The kid has some talent.
Since Miami has 4th most cap space available and plenty of extra picks, they have the ammo to acquire Njoku. While ‘Jimmy GM’ wouldn’t deal any of those picks away, Miami may think otherwise. Also, the Browns might move on from Njoku for far less than a 1st round pick. Even stingy Jimmy GM would spend a mid-round pick for Njoku.
Yes, Gesicki is a promising young TE, but there are no guarantees he’ll continue to progress. And again, since there isn’t much talent at the TE position after him, maybe Miami would rather buy than draft a Tight End insurance policy?
The likelihood is low Njoku ends up a Phins
Reality is, even if Miami is interested, there’s plenty of competition for Njoku with other teams. Washington, New England, Green Bay, Arizona, Carolina, and Dallas all need TE help. This would drive up the bidding price for his services. Also, Chan Gailey’s offenses aren’t historically known to emphasize the TE position in the passing game. Gailey could change his M.O., of course.
Still, I just don’t see Miami being interested enough in making a move for Njoku.
All good organizations take a look at quality players that hit the market. So, I’m sure Grier and Flores are mulling over Njoku. I’d even bet with the best pay per head services that Grier made a call to the Browns. But, due diligence doesn’t mean they’ll open the wallet… but, you never know. It’s been a wacky and wild offseason so far, maybe Njoku to the Phins will be one more curveball.
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans’ thoughts about potentially acquiring another young promising TE to pair with Gesicki?
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Another athletic tight end that ranked 104th in 2018 (only played four games last year) in pass blocking efficiency? I don’t think Brian Flores will bite. In NE those tight ends dang well sure better block, but Gesiki he inherited. From what I’ve read and remember from Chan Gailey’s offense, we are not gonna see too many two TE sets (worse if they can’t pass protect). I just don’t see this regime outbidding a more desperate franchise with draft capital for that type of player, in a contract year. IMO
I’m not a big fan of Njoku or spending to get him. I think Jimmy pretty much agreed with us. I could see a late-round pick though and a roll of the dice if they are really trying to win this season. He was better than Gesicki, but still not great. I do think the NFL has changed and proven Tight Ends provide too much easy yards and pressure on defenses not to sue them. I think it’s a bad sign if tight ends are employed with zest in this new O Diego. But, I agree Njoku isn’t one I’d spend much of anything on.
This screams the Gruden and the Raiders to me. I could see them spending a fourth round pick
Yeah, he’s good enough for a 4th, but Chucky has two good TEs… I didn’t realize that he did till I read your post and I checked. Very, very surprised. They have the 5th and 19th highest rated TEs… and some quality depth/ WOW! Shocked… Man, I need to look into more teams. Been so fixated on Phins since Jimmy reeled me in here that I haven’t paid enough attention to other teams for years… thanks for the convo…