Cleveland Browns: 5 options to replace Alex Mack

If the Browns believe that their pick in the second round could be used on a position other than center, they may consider Michigan State’s Jack Allen, who is projected as a third- or fourth-round selection.

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A four-year starter for the Spartans, Allen is a two-time All-American and made 42 career starts at center. As a former high school wrestling state champion, understands the properties of using leverage along the offensive line – something that Cameron Erving is still struggling to grasp.

A four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, the 6-foot-1, 294-pound Allen should also have the smarts to fit in with the Browns and grasp the complexities of NFL line play.

“He sets the tone,” offensive linemate Jack Conklin told USA Today. “A lot of times he sets up the blocking schemes for not only the offensive line but the running backs and even occasionally the receivers. He’s a guy we look to on the offense a lot during games. He’s really taken on the role of being a verbal leader and getting on guys if something isn’t going right. He’ll get on someone and bring them back into the game.”

According to his draft profile at NFL.com:

"Despite having a cat named “Bubbles,” Allen is a coach’s dream with the leadership, competitiveness and the tenacious mindset to grind out the will of defenders by the end of the fourth quarter. While there are clearly some athletic limitations, Allen is especially adept at minimizing those while accentuating his strengths. There are too many check marks in his favor to expect him to fall short of an NFL career as an eventual starter."

It may be difficult to do, and we all have former general manager Ray Farmer to thank for bungling Mack’s last contract negotiations, but the Browns need to figure out a way to keep Mack. The idea of trying to get the offense on track, especially with the possibility of having a rookie quarterback, without Mack anchoring the line is just not one that the Browns should be willing to entertain.