Browns perspective on Philadelphia’s new TE.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed two free agent tight ends last week. The first of the two signings was former Cleveland Browns draft pick Harrison Bryant, who spent last season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Let’s learn more about the new member of Philly’s offense by getting a Browns perspective on him. Here’s what Jared Mueller of Dawgs By Nature had to say about Bryant through answers to my questions.
1 – Can you recap his time with the Browns?
As a fourth-round pick, the hope was that Bryant could be a steal after over 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns in his final season at Florida Atlantic. He was on the field for 60% of the snaps as a rookie but never crossed 50% in his final three years in Cleveland. A fine rotational tight end, Bryant at times struggled with catching the ball in traffic with 11 drops off of 128 targets. Bryant played offensive tackle in high school before converting to tight end and shows a lot of effort as a blocker.
2 – To what extent was his development limited by 1) other tight ends being ahead of him on the depth chart and 2) the Browns’ QB struggles? Do you think he could handle an expanded role if given the chance?
Bryant lacks the explosiveness to become an important part of any offense. Being the second or third tight end for a unit that doesn’t expect to feature the depth at the position is probably best. At times, he is at his best finding holes in zone defenses after the first few options are not available and the quarterback is working through is progressions. The best years of Baker Mayfield couldn’t bring out significantly more production from Bryant.
3 – What are his strengths?
A steady player with a strong understanding of leverage as a blocker and zones as a receiver.
4 – What are his weaknesses?
The drops are a concern, although he didn’t have any last year in Las Vegas, as is his overall lack of physicality and explosiveness.
5 – Anything to know about him off the field?
No known concerns at all. Somewhat soft spoken and thoughtful. Browns media are pretty limited in interactions with players that are not the stars so Bryant hasn’t talked too much during his time as a pro but always presented well.
BLG’s take: Ideally, Bryant figures to compete for a role as TE2 or TE3. If the Eagles don’t retain Dallas Goedert, which seems quite possible, perhaps they go with a ‘Tight End By Committee’ approach? If so, Bryant could be part of that group.
