Cleveland Browns Draft Intriguing Big 12 Tight End in 5th Round

The Cleveland Browns have been aggressive in adding to their offense, as they selected Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer with the 170th overall pick in the fifth round.

Royer is continuing his career in Ohio, as he spent his first three college seasons with Ohio State before spending his final two years at Cincinnati. He now joins a Browns offense that is adding a ton of young talent.

Royer didn't play much with the Buckeyes, but played at a high level with the Bearcats. In the 2024 season, he hauled in 50 receptions for 521 yards and three touchdowns. He followed that up in 2025 by finishing with 29 receptions for 416 yards and four touchdowns.

The six-foot-five tight end is the third pass-catcher that the Browns have selected, in addition to wide receiver KC Concepcion in the first round and Denzel Boston in the second round.

They also added protection up front, using the 7th overall pick to select offensive tackle Spencer Fano and offensive tackle Austin Barber in the third round.

These additions will help whoever the Browns opt to start at quarterback in the crowded room of Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, and sixth-round selection Taylen Green.

Sanders showed some flashes in his rookie season, completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

The added weapons and protection could help Sanders develop into a quality starting quarterback if new head coach Todd Monken names him the starter.

Cleveland has one of the top defenses in the league, and with all of their additions on offense in the draft, they could shock some teams in the 2026 season.

Royer will look to be a part of the Browns' turnaround and develop into a key piece of their offense at the tight end position.

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