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Cleveland Browns: Is the right tackle job really a competition?

By Joel W. Cade

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Cody Kessler #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate center Cameron Erving #74 after throwing a second quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Cody Kessler #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates with teammate center Cameron Erving #74 after throwing a second quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 10, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 30: Cameron Erving of the Florida State Seminoles holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #19 overall by the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 30, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 30: Cameron Erving of the Florida State Seminoles holds up a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #19 overall by the Cleveland Browns during the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 30, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The second candidate for the position is Cameron Erving. Before fans roll their eyes and bellow in disgust, it should be remembered that Erving was a natural tackle in college. In fact, some teams were looking to draft Erving as a tackle in the draft.

Returning to his natural position should help Erving tremendously. When he played right tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 last season, he looked comfortable at the position. His run blocking was dominant. His pass blocking highlighted the agility and athleticism that made him a first-round pick. However, he did show some rust at the position after not having played it in two seasons at the NFL level.

Related: Is Cam Erving leading the right tackle competition?

Erving has all the physical skills necessary to excel at the NFL level. Hopefully this set of coaches can pull the talent out of him and combine it with a solid set of tackle skills. He already showed the mean streak necessary to play the position against Pittsburgh.

The question for Erving is whether can he put it all together in camp this summer. Also, will he get the chance?

Working against Erving is the fact he was drafted by the previous regime with a terrible draft record. So far, Erving has played like a bust for the Browns. Granted, he is not as bad as Johnny Manziel or Justin Gilbert. But Erving has clearly shown he cannot play interior offensive line.

Also working against Erving is his contract. As a first-round pick, the Browns will have to decide to pick up his fifth-year option after the upcoming season. Along with picking up the fifth-year option comes a hefty salary increase. Thus far, his play does not warrant the pay-day.

If Erving fails to win the position, it is difficult to see the Browns retaining him. With Roderick Johnson in the fold, the backup reps may be better served Johnson than Erving.

Verdict: Erving either wins the right tackle position or is traded for a future pick after training camp.

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