Is the Cleveland Browns starting offensive line becoming an issue again?
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns have had problems with their starting offensive line during training camp, causing the team to flirt with possibility of changing the starting unit before the regular season.
It seemed that the Cleveland Browns starting offensive linemen were set after they moved Joel Bitonio to left tackle early in August.
Moving Bitonio to left tackle let the Browns push second-round pick Austin Corbett into the starting lineup at left guard. But Corbett has not performed well in the preseason, causing some concern that he may not be ready to play just yet.
That concern has gone all the way up to head coach Hue Jackson, who is not yet committing to Bitonio as the starting left tackle for the Browns’ regular season opener.
#Browns Hue Jackson says he won't commit to Joel Bitonio starting at LT: "I'm going to put the best 5 guys out there whether Joel is at tackle or guard." Adds Bitonio will be out there regardless
— Keith Britton (@KeithBritton86) August 31, 2018
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The hope was that the Browns would have their five starting linemen settled before the final preseason game, giving the unit time to build chemistry and be ready for the regular season opener.
But if what Jackson said Friday comes to fruition, the offensive line will have some changes when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Browns do decide to move Bitonio back to left guard, it would mean a significant change.
After the trade of Shon Coleman and Greg Robinson’s less-than-stellar play, the player that would take over at left tackle would most likely be undrafted rookie Desmond Harrison.
Harrison missed the beginning of training camp with an injured toe, but was activated in time to get time in the preseason games. Harrison has enough talent to be a good left tackle in the NFL. But the biggest question for him is if he can excel at the position mentally.
If the Browns are comfortable enough with Harrison to make him the starting left tackle, he would have taken some significant strides. But if the Browns do not feel Harrison has made the necessary strides, they could keep Bitonio at tackle make a change elsewhere.
The starting lineman that has been the most concerning during the preseason has been Corbett. He has had moments where he has played well, but there have also been cases where his play has not been good.
The Browns could make recently signed Earl Watford the starting left guard, as the veteran has plenty of starting experience. Although Watford is best suited for a reserve role, he could buy Corbett time as he transitions to the NFL.
If the Browns do decide to make Harrison or Watford starters, it may be the best scenario for the team at the time. But having to start an undrafted rookie or a player that has only been in the offense for a week could cause issues on the field early in the season.
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The Browns still trying to settle their first-team offensive line is concerning. Although it is smart to try and put the five best players on the line, still experimenting with different offensive linemen is not ideal. It appears that the offensive line being a potential issue will carry on into the regular season.