When the 2025 season concluded, the Cleveland Browns looked pretty good with their tight end room. David Njoku was a seasoned veteran, Harold Fannin had just been named to the NFL All-Rookie Team, Blake Whiteheart and Brendan Bates laid down a backup foundation, while former UFL star Sal Cannella waited his turn on the practice squad along with Caden Prieskorn.
At the time, it was considered a good group.
RELATED: BROWNS PICK JOE ROYER AT PICK #170
The Browns did not re-sign Njoku before free agency. He then said his goodbyes to the Cleveland fanbase, but has since remained unsigned. Whiteheart was re-signed, and former New Orleans Saints tight end Jack Stoll was inked during free agency while the franchise tendered Bates. Cannella and Prieskorn were both signed to reserve/futures contracts in March.
Then, in April’s draft, GM Andrew Berry selected Joe Royer out of Cincinnati and also Carsen Ryan from BYU.
That’s seven players for the tight end room. New head coach Todd Monken is known for using a lot of tight end play in his offense. The norm for NFL teams is usually three tight ends after training camp; however, it would surprise nobody if Monken kept four instead.
Who is Royer? With all of these tight ends already on the roster, why did Berry draft him?
Beginnings
Royer is an Ohio kid, having been raised in Cincinnati and growing up a Bengals fan. He attended Elder High School. As a senior, Royer led his team to the state runner-up finish, and he was named All-State. He was known to dominate games on offense. He began at wide receiver, and as he began to fill out, his coaches moved him to tight end and H-back.
His father is Mark Royer, who works for the Post Office, while his mother, Micki Royer, passed away unexpectedly in September of 2022 at the age of 52. The couple had been married for 27 years. She was described as a vibrant, athletic, and competitive person who loved attending her children’s sporting events. Royer has one tattoo, and appropriately, it’s an homage to his late mom.
There are two sisters: Rachel and Sammie. Royer also has a large extended family. Sammie was a soccer star at Hanover College, while Rachel played her college soccer at Western Michigan and is now a piano instructor.
Royer has a tattoo dedicated to his mom, and describes her as his “why.” She was defined as the life of the party and even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
He was known to dominate the game of high school football. He was rated as a Top 2020 Ohio prospect and had 70 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns.
High School accolades:
- Four-star prospect
- First Team Division 1, Region 4/Southwest All-Region Team
- First Team Division 1 OPSWA All-Ohio honors
- Polynesian Bowl invitee
Royer had plenty of interest from college programs such as Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, Ball State, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Kent State, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Pitt, Michigan State, Louisville, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Boston College, Eastern Michigan, Rutgers, Toledo, Western Michigan, and Air Force.
He chose Ohio State and spent three seasons there. He only played in 14 games with four receptions for 24 yards. His lack of playing time didn’t sit well with him, so he entered the transfer portal. He was seen as one of the top tight ends in the Big 12 and had a slew of schools contact him.
A former Elder High School teammate called him and gave a good pitch for him to transfer to Cincinnati. In just his first season, he had 50 receptions for 521 yards and three TDs. Last season, that production was reduced to 29 catches for 416 yards and four TDs. In all, he started all 25 games at his new school.
His Pro Day results:
Height: 6’-5”
Weight: 247 pounds
Hand: 10 3/4”
Arm: 31 1/2”
Wingspan: 78 1/4”
40-yard dash: 4.65
10-yard shuttle: DNP
3-cone: DNP
225-pound bench press: DNP
Vertical jump: DNP
Broad jump: DNP
College games: 33
College snaps: 1,316
Follow on social media:
Twitter: @JoeRoyer25
Instagram: @joeroyer
What should Browns fans expect from Royer?
He’s a great kid, and he’ll give everything he’s got for sure. Royer did not get drafted by his hometown Bengals, but by being selected inside the division, he will play one game a year there. High football IQ. He is an above-average blocker and a very good pass catcher. He plays very well out in space, running and catching the ball, and out on the perimeter. While at Ohio State is the time when he lost his mother and had a lack of playing time. But after he returned to his home city and began his education at the University of Cincinnati, he rejuvenated his career and interest in the game.
WHY HE COULD SUCCEED:
This kid shows exceptional body control and spatial awareness. He can contort his body and catch poorly-thrown passes. He creates good separation on intermediate throws and will run angry after the catch. Good YAC numbers. Can find soft spots and will fight for extra yardage. Has that typical tight end mindset, as he does not want to be tackled. Great athletic testing numbers.
College accolades:
- Third Team All-Big 12
- 2025 Mackey Award watch list
- First Team All-Big 12 (2024)
WHY HE COULD FAIL:
His blocking skills could use some tutelage. Inconsistent hand placement when engaged with blocks. He will show occasional lapses in concentration and will round off his routes without any attempt to fool his defender. Has had some injury issues and needs to show he can complete a full season. Could improve his functional strength, especially in his lower body.
