The Cleveland Browns’ tight end depth chart has been a revolving door during GM Andrew Berry’s short tenure. That turnstile could take another notable spin during the 2022 NFL Draft, as the Browns are showing interest in UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich.
Browns host talented tight end Greg Dulcich
The Browns are hosting Dulcich on a top-30 visit on Monday, a league source told Pro Football Network. Dulcich, a standout at the Senior Bowl in February, has drawn interest from over 20 teams during the draft process. However, the Browns are the first-known travel visit he’s taken leading up to the draft.
Dulcich impressed teams during the workouts in Mobile, Alabama, during the week of practices. He caught the ball cleanly and showed impressive speed at 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds. He also displayed improved blocking ability from his time at UCLA.
At the NFL Scouting Combine later that month, Dulcich ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and posted a vertical leap of 34 inches. He also had a 10’2″ broad jump and a 7.05-second three-cone drill.
Why Dulcich is considered among the best at TE
Scouts and draft pundits consider Dulcich to be among the best tight end prospects in the class. Over the past two seasons, Dulcich exploded for 68 catches for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The former walk-on posted a yards-per-catch average of 17.6 yards per reception while serving as a big-play threat for the Bruins.
Dulcich profiles similarly to former first-round pick Hayden Hurst. He has comparable speed to Hurst, but he put up slightly better jump numbers than Hurst posted at the NFL Combine in 2018. Dulcich is also significantly younger (21) than Hurst (25) was as a rookie. Like Hurst, Dulcich is a breakaway threat at the position, creating mismatches for the offense. He’s too big for nickel corners and potentially too fast for opposing linebackers.
How Dulcich would fit with the Browns
Following the release of veteran tight end Austin Hooper, the Browns are moving forward with former first-round pick David Njoku and former fourth-round pick Harrison Bryant at the position. Like Njoku, Dulcich is an athletic freak who can cause headaches for opposing defensive coordinators as a move tight end.
With Deshaun Watson now serving as the Browns’ starting QB, Cleveland will look to surround him with dynamic talent. Receivers Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are set to rule the perimeter in the passing game. Still, the Browns could look to take advantage of the middle of the field with a rotation of Njoku, Bryant, and Dulcich at tight end.
Dulcich and Njoku could form one of the more dynamic tight end tandems in the league. Given Dulcich’s frame and improved blocking ability, the two could complement each other, especially in the red zone.