Cleveland Browns offseason team needs: Noah’s Ark edition
Left Tackle, Right Tackle, Right Guard
The offensive line is the glaring hole that the Cleveland Browns absolutely have to address this offseason. While John Dorsey brought in a lot of talent across the board for the Browns, he clearly neglected one of the most important factors for the development of a young quarterback.
After future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas retired, Cleveland really never made replacing him a priority. Desmond Harrison had a decent season and former second overall pick Greg Robinson played well towards the end of the 2018 season, but undrafted free agents and guys that are on their third team five seasons after being drafted so high usually aren’t going to be the long-term answer.
After whiffing on the selection of Austin Corbett (whatever position they had in mind for him long term) and with Robinson struggling mightily last season and having his well-known off the field troubles this offseason, the Browns are in serious need of a left tackle to protect their young quarterback’s blindside.
I realize replacing a guy like Joe Thomas is no small task, but it needs to be a priority to find a suitable long term anchor on the left side of the line that can keep Baker upright for years to come. With the makeup of this year’s NFL Draft class and available free agents, it’s very clear that a left tackle will need to come from the draft, or maybe via trade.
The Cleveland Browns currently possess the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where most presume that they will be selecting the best (or their favorite) offensive tackle prospect available. That could very well be their left tackle of the future, or they could go with a right tackle or another position of need and look for a left tackle a little later in a deep tackle class and/or trade a day two pick for a guy like Trent Williams from the Washington Redskins to help them win right away.
No matter the approach, the Cleveland Browns are in need of a left AND right tackle this season. As poorly as Greg Robinson played this season, right tackle Chris Hubbard was even worse. I’m shocked that he has not been released yet, but his departure is just a matter of time, leaving another wide-open position on the other side of the line.
As far as right tackles go, there are a few more options this offseason than there are at left tackle. Those options being free agents. If the Cleveland Browns are able to sign a right tackle in free agency such as Jack Conklin (who they have been linked to), Bryan Bulaga or even a guy like Germain Ifedi or Daryl Williams, the Browns could turn their focus to other positions of need early on in the draft.
A couple of the top tackle prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft that could be on the board when the Browns come on the clock at 10 have some interesting positional versatility. Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. has become the favorite to be the first tackle off the board by most, and he played right tackle (while still protecting the blindside of his left-handed quarterback).
Combine standout Tristan Wirfs primarily played right tackle as well at Iowa but saw some time at left tackle and many evaluators think he best fits as a guard at the next level.
Oh yeah. The Browns need one of those, too. After Dorsey traded away Kevin Zeitler for Olivier Vernon last offseason, Cleveland had another glaring hole on their offensive line for the duration of the season. There are a few free-agent options at guard, headlined by Brandon Scherff who is expected to return to the Redskins and Joe Thuney who will likely reset the guard market.
Kevin Stefanski will be looking for offensive linemen that are not only big and powerful, but can also move very well to be effective in his wide zone scheme. Stefanski’s offense won’t be as simple as putting a hat on a hat with the guy in front of you. It’s a rather complex blocking scheme that will require a blend of intelligence, athleticism and power.
I am very intrigued to see how Berry and the boys will handle the offensive line situation this offseason. No matter how they get it done, fill these holes need to be the primary focus for the Cleveland Browns.