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Cleveland Browns: Signing Kevin Zeitler may be most important offseason move

By Steven Kubitza

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 27: Guard Kevin Zeitler #68 of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals stand at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 27: Guard Kevin Zeitler #68 of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Giovani Bernard #25 of the Cincinnati Bengals stand at the line of scrimmage in the second quarter of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The focus is always on skill positions, but signing Kevin Zeitler may be the most important thing the Cleveland Browns did during the offseason.

The NFL Draft was once again a major event for Cleveland Browns fans in 2017. Drafting ten new players, including three in the first round, helps bring some hope to Browns fans that change is on the way.

But for the young players to end up succeeding in the long-term, the Browns need to have some established veterans to keep things stable in the present. Joe Thomas is the first name that comes to mind, but the Browns went out and added some more veteran talent to try to improve upon the 1-15 record from a year ago.

Kevin Zeitler was signed by the Browns back in March to the tune of a five-year, $60 million deal to shore up the right guard position. That was great news, as Zeitler was the best at his position in the AFC during the 2016 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Browns also extended Joel Bitonio, but fans have seen him struggle with injuries the past few seasons, raising concerns of his long-term health, while Zeitler has played in all 32 games over the past two seasons.

Related: Zeitler solidifies right guard position

It is easy to get excited about all the rookies and young players on the roster, but Zeitler has proven to be one of the top lineman in all of football the past few years. Having him on the right side helps shore up a side of the line that saw several players shuffled in and out throughout the 2016 season.

So even though the Browns lost Terrelle Pryor and are banking on a crop of young receivers, and Kenny Britt, having a strong offensive line helps the receivers get more time to let their routes develop and create space in the open field. It also allows the quarterbacks to wait until the perfect moment to throw the ball, with their feet actually planted instead of frantically escaping impending defenders.

Zeitler gives the Browns a legitimate star on the right side of the line, while Thomas and Bitonio hold down the left side and JC Tretter slots in at center. Right tackle is still up in the air, but the presence of four strong players should help the group improve as a whole.

Next: Top 30 moments in Browns history

Fans will be donning Myles Garrett and Jabrill Peppers jerseys in the stands this season, but Zeitler is a name that will carry great weight in how the Browns perform on offense in 2017.

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