clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: David Njoku, TE

Hogs Haven takes a look at NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

By Gabe Ward
Pittsburgh v Miami Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images

David Njoku, TE
School: Miami | Conference: ACC
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 246 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late 1st or 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Jordan Cameron

College Statistics

Player Overview

Davis Njoku is a former high school wide receiver and high jump champion. The New Jersey native made his way down south to Miami and joined a stacked TE group on the Canes that at the time included Clive Walford, Beau Sandland, and Chris Herndon. Njoku had a breakout season this past year once he fully earned the starting job and has put together some of the most impressive tape you will see out of any TE this draft season. He has a physique to envy and his athleticism and receiving ability is obvious when he gets his hands on the football. While some may knock Njoku for not being a more well-rounded prospect (and they should) it should be noted that he is a matchup nightmare and when the ball is in his hands he has the ability to make a big play each time. Njoku isn’t the most polished blocker in this TE class but he gets the job done. His value lies in his elite ability to catch the football and what he can do with it after the catch.

Strengths

  • Great size and physique for the position. Can use his size to create space and box out defenders.
  • Excellent athleticism for the position is a mismatch against linebackers and less athletic safeties and smaller corners. Embarrasses them with speed, acceleration, and understanding of his route and space.
  • Pays attention to the details and is aware of the space, traffic, and area that is around him. Knows how to exploit zone coverage.
  • A natural receiver that makes the tough catches look easy. What he does after he hauls in the catch is impressive and borderline elite.
  • Can line up anywhere: Outside, inline, slot, backfield.
  • Willing defender.

Weaknesses

  • One year of production.
  • Needs to work on being a more consistent blocker.
  • Has inexplicable and infuriating cases of the dropsies from time to time.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Personal bias included, I think Njoku has just as much upside as any TE in this class and over the long term may prove to be the best in the class. At a minimum, he is a vertical receiving and red zone threat from day one due to his ability to cause mismatches in the secondary and his elite ability after the catch. As much as I like Njoku given the Redskins present situation I can’t really see him getting used much. The Redskins don’t run many twin TE sets and as long as Jordan Reed is healthy he’ll be the go-to option at the TE position. If the Redskins had fewer holes to fill on the roster the idea of taking Njoku (if he lasted to their pick in the second round) would make more sense if the offensive philosophy were to shift to incorporate more two TE sets. I can, unfortunately, see Njoku causing trouble in the division. Namely, with the Giants and even the Cowboys. Both those teams have a need at TE due to lack of talent or aging talent and could improve their passing attacks greatly with a weapon like Njoku. On draft night I’ll be hoping that misfortune doesn't befall David and wishing him the best of luck.

More From Hogs Haven