Cleveland Browns: Austin Corbett will make or break John Dorsey’s latest trade
By Randy Gurzi
Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey could take a lot of heat if Austin Corbett is unable to handle the job as the starting right guard
In 2018, the Cleveland Browns saw rookies Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, and Nick Chubb all win weekly awards for their play as they gave the franchise hope for the future. It was a great return on investment for the club that spent the No. 1, 4, and 35 pick on those starting rookies.
What’s often forgotten about is there was another premium pick made by the Browns as they used the No. 33 overall selection on Austin Corbett from Nevada. After playing tackle in college, Corbett was expected to transition to guard in the NFL but wasn’t going to start over Joel Bitonio or Kevin Zeitler.
That won’t be the case any longer as Zeitler was just traded to the New York Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon. It was a somewhat surprising move but it does give the Browns a great edge rusher opposite Myles Garrett. That duo should terrorize NFL quarterbacks, but the question quickly turns to how this affects the offense.
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Zeitler is often praised as one of the best pass blocking guards in the NFL. However, general manager John Dorsey was incredibly high on Corbett’s potential and believed in him enough to make this move. And if he wants to keep from losing any believers, he needs to be right about the young offensive lineman.
The biggest reason for hope in Cleveland is quarterback Baker Mayfield and keeping him upright and comfortable in the pocket is job No. 1. This team will go as he goes and if Corbett can’t get the job done, it’s Mayfield who will struggle the most.
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On the flip side, if the Nevada product comes in and reaches the potential he showed in college, and Vernon raises the play of the defense as he should, the already impressive legend of Dorsey will only grow. It’s safe to say this whole trade hinges on the play of Corbett, even though he wasn’t technically involved in it.