In 2003 the Cleveland Browns were using a two-headed tight end in Steve Heiden and Darnell Sanders with Keith Heinrich on the bench. Heiden had 18 catches for 134 yards, Sanders 15 catches for 95 yards while Heinrich gathered eight receptions for 64 yards. The trio had four touchdowns combined.
Cleveland had the sixth overall pick in the first round in the 2004 NFL draft. Looking to upgrade the tight end position, the Browns had heavily scouted Kellen Winslow II from the University of Miami.