5 Cleveland Browns with the most to prove this season
By Randy Gurzi
5. Austin Corbett, Guard
One of the biggest additions this offseason (outside of Odell Beckham, Jr.) was edge rusher Olivier Vernon. Also from the New York Giants, Vernon will be tasked with providing a secondary pass rusher opposite Myles Garrett — who had 13.5 sacks last season. While it’s easy to say Vernon was overpaid by the Giants, the fact is he will be in a much better role as the second rusher off the edge for Cleveland.
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While it’s true that his addition will help solidify the defensive line, the cost for his services was high. John Dorsey surrendered starting right guard Kevin Zeitler in the trade and that leaves a big hole to fill. Zeitler was one of the best in the game, and his replacement at the moment is Austin Corbett an unproven rookie.
Cleveland did think highly enough of Corbett to draft him at No. 33 overall out of Nevada — where he actually replaced current Browns left guard Joel Bitonio as their left tackle. Corbett then spent his rookie season learning the intricacies of playing inside. He did open the preseason at left guard, with Bitonio kicking out to tackle but by the time the regular season began, he was on the bench and Bitonio was back at his normal spot.
While Corbett didn’t get in on the action much at all as a rookie, there was enough faith in him to make this bold move. It will now be up to him to prove the team correct in their faith in his ability to replace a very talented player.