Browns tight end room has a huge need, NFL draft has options
After each college football season has been completed, the process of getting ready for the annual NFL draft begins. This is not only for coaches, scouts, and GMs but also for the players themselves. One would assume all the coaches and scouts would need is some film study on prospects. But that is the furthest from the process.
RELATED: DRAFT PROFILE – ELIJAH ARROYO
There are numerous college all-star games after the regular season has completed its schedule. Then the Combine followed by a Pro Day at this school and another over at this university and yet another over there.
Athletes can complete a season and be ranked a third-rounder, and after it is all said and done, he becomes a late first-round draft pick. Or a sixth-round selection. All the while, during this draft process, the player hasn’t played an additional snap.
Tight end Elijah Arroyo is a standout athlete. He played at the University of Miami, which has sent quite a few big-name tight ends into the NFL. Most notable is Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku.
This year’s tight end class has some talented guys up top: Tyler Warren of Penn State, Michigan’s Colston Loveland, and Arroyo.
Arroyo is a play-making tight end. If the Browns were to draft him, they would have two dynamic athletes in the tight room along with the Pro Bowler Njoku. Think about this draft pick being another weapon for this stagnant offense.
Coming out of high school, Arroyo was a four-star prospect with offers from just about every major college program.
His 2024 college stats: 13 starts, 35 receptions, 590 yards, seven touchdowns, 16.9 yards per reception average, and zero rushes. In 2024, he was selected Second Team All-ACC.
Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
He played in 12 games with one start as a freshman. After four games in his sophomore campaign, he had a pretty significant injury with an ACL tear, which ended his season.
The Browns pick #33 in Round 2, #67 and #94 in Round 3. Tight end is a huge position of need for Cleveland this year.
At the Senior Bowl this year, Dawgs By Nature’s Barry Shuck was able to interview Arroyo during the practice week with a solid Senior Bowl showing.
TE Elijah Arroyo – Miami
6’-4”, 250 pounds
40 time: 4.69
Projected round: 2-3
Q: You have a great opportunity coming out of Miami. What are some of your strengths?
A: Being a starter for multiple years in a tough conference helps. Obviously taking that next step is dramatic. I feel real comfortable playing this position and learning how to manage the game at a high level. Being a young guy you have to get in there and learn and be a leader. I don’t look at the draft process as pressure, but a chance to show what I can do and have fun.
Q: A lot has been said about QB Cam Ward. How were the two of you able to form a bond?
A: When he came in Day 1, he made sure he built a relationship with everybody on the team and not just receivers and tight ends. He really brought the team together. Him and I were always getting in extra work. We both have a common goal: we want to be great. We fell short in getting a trophy, but we were able to do a lot of great things this year and turn the program around. When Cam talks, people are going to listen.
Q: Is it true you began your football career in Mexico?
A: That was very unique. I played one year of football in South Florida, and then moved to Mexico. I learned the game of football in Spanish first. There are a lot of similarities to the game, just everything was in a different language. The sport grew during my six years of playing there. It was cool. Moving from Mexico to Texas the competition got a lot bigger. I was one of the biggest guys in Mexico and then suddenly there are a lot of guys my size or bigger. In Mexico I played linebacker, running back, on all special teams as the returner and the kicker.
Q: Why did you end up in Mexico?
A: My dad’s side is Mexican. He had family in Mexico and went to work for them.
Q: During Senior Bowl week, you were very energetic each practice. Is this an indication of your motor?
A: Our coach told us before practices stated he wanted to see some juice. I can’t really dance, but I can punt the ball. We aren’t in the league yet so we can’t get fined. So, in the next scrimmage, I caught a touchdown, so my celebration was to punt the ball.
Q: You have had a few injuries during college. Is this a concern for you?
A: The injuries I have had have molded me into the man I am today. That adversary that I had to face. All the rehab and all the days I had to face where I just didn’t feel like doing rehab that day but went through it anyways. I thought, how is the “future you” going to think? I learned to be mentally tough. I went and did it and am here now.
Q: What will you take from your college experience to the NFL?
A: From the “U” just a winning culture. My first year we only won five games. We worked hard and changed that to a 10-win team this year. That means you work harder, and then you don’t quit. Myself, I am a culture builder. That taught me to know what it takes to make the team improve.
Q: What would you bring to the Browns?
A: An absolute dawg. I’m a very selfless player and I always put the team first. I will do whatever it takes. My body is feeling good. I am a good blocker and pride myself on these techniques. But I can catch and expect to be fully involved in the passing game. If they need me to block all game, that will be my job. If they need me to chip a guy during the game, I am good at that, too. I am not going to be the one on the sidelines yelling that I am not getting the ball. The coaches have a gameplan, and whatever they want me to do in that plan I am ready.
Q: Do you feel your receiving skills are up to the task at the next level?
A: I can do it all. I am really just a big receiver when it comes to the passing game. I’m fast, I’m quick, I can move. Then also in the run game I can throw my head around, too. I like to get physical and get dirty. I am persistent keeping the main thing the main thing.
Q: Who were some of your favorite players growing up?
A: I always followed the Miami guys. I liked to watch Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, Jeremy Shockey, David Njoku and even Kellen Winslow, Jr. There are a lot of Miami greats that I was able to take after.
Q: What would your day be like if you were paired with Njoku?
A: He’s an athletic freak first of all. He has the ability to run after the catch and make those tough catches. It would be great to be on the field with another Cane. I would look forward to learning from him. That would mean the world to me.
Q: What do you feel is your greatest weakness you need to work on?
A: Just the little things. As far as the run game, my hand placement and just footwork.