2017 NFL Draft: USC TE Taylor McNamara signs with the Cleveland Browns as an UDFA

USC Trojans tight end Taylor McNamara did not get selected in the 2017 NFL Draft but earlier he confirmed on twitter that he has signed with the Cleveland Browns.

Like most undrafted free agents McNamara has a tough mountain to climb but there may be an opportunity for him to make an NFL roster in Cleveland. The team released leading tight end Gary Barnidge and selected a tight end with one of their three first round picks in the 2017 NFL draft.

Including first round draft pick David Njoku the Browns currently have four tight ends on the roster. Njoku, Seth DeValve, J.P. Holtz, and of course Randall Telfer from USC. Browns head coach Hue Jackson has said the tight end position needed to be revamped for Cleveland.

McNamara transferred to USC from the Oklahoma Sooners and only caught 24 passes as a Trojan but his blocking abilities were impressive. His leadership among other tight ends at USC was also praised. With Barnidge off the team the Browns, however, have almost no production from last season from the tight end position with the tight ends combining for just 12 receptions on 19 targets in 2016. One would assume first round pick David Njoku will see the bulk of targets for Browns’ tight ends but there is clearly an opportunity here for McNamara to contribute to the Browns.

McNamara will join fellow USC alums tight end Randall Telfer, quarterback Cody Kessler, and offensive lineman Marcus Martin on the Browns roster.