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Predicting the Cleveland Browns Week One starters

By Dan Justik

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns helmets rest on the bench prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 11: Cleveland Browns helmets rest on the bench prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: JC Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns prepares for the snap in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: JC Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns prepares for the snap in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line – Shon Coleman, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Kevin Zeitler, Chris Hubbard

The offensive line will have a similar look as it did last season, but with one major difference. The offensive line will not be anchored by left tackle Joe Thomas for the first time since 2007. Without Thomas at left tackle, it has caused some reshuffling at the tackle positions.

The Cleveland Browns made a pretty bgg investment in Chris Hubbard this off-season. The former Pittsburgh Steeler will be the starting right tackle for Cleveland after signing a five-year, $36.5 million contract. It is likely that new offensive coordinator Todd Haley urged the front office to make a move for Hubbard, as he has experience as his coach with the Steelers and knows what he can bring to his offense.

The interior of the line will be the same starters as last season, with Joel Bitonio at left guard, J.C. Tretter playing center, and Kevin Zeitler returning as the right guard. After playing their first full season together last year, the interior of the line has a good chance of being very good in 2018.

Related Story: Familiarity will help interior offensive linemen

The left tackle position has been a major concern for Cleveland this off-season, as it seems that they do not have an answer for replacing Thomas yet. The Browns drafted Austin Corbett to be the replacement, but he has not played a ton of snaps at tackle this off-season. Unless he plays only tackle during training camp, Corbett becoming the starting left tackle does not seem to be that likely.

That leaves last year’s starting right tackle, Shon Coleman, as the most likely to be the starter. Coleman has received most of the reps as the starting left tackle during the summer workouts. It is obvious that the Browns coaches are uncertain about tackle being the best position for Corbett. Although he struggled last season, Coleman is the best option for the Browns at left tackle.

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