Cleveland Browns: 3 second-year players who need to succeed
By Randy Gurzi
1. Austin Corbett, Guard
Out of all the second-year players on the Browns roster, none is going to need to step up his game more than guard Austin Corbett. The 33rd overall pick in the draft, Corbett didn’t see the field much at all other than coming out on special teams or as an extra offensive lineman in heavy sets.
Even with the limited exposure, John Dorsey felt strongly enough in what Corbett can do to make a blockbuster trade that cost them their starting right guard. Kevin Zeitler was sent to the New York Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon which puts a lot of pressure on Corbett to succeed.
A former tackle at Nevada, the sophomore is still working on his transition inside and there could be some concern as things are moving slowly according to Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com.
"“They’re starting slow. Corbett, a backup a year ago after getting picked with the first pick of the second round, looks like he needs to ease in. When the Browns went 11-on-11, the first-team offensive line was set. Almost. The four returning starters were always in there. Corbett was also in maybe 80 percent of the time. But backup Kyle Kalis also stepped in for some first-team reps. Not a big deal, and who knows exactly what that means. But it was different from the other guys.” — Lesmerises, Cleveland.com"
As Lesmerises said, it isn’t a big deal at this point considering the Browns are only in the voluntary portion of their offseason work. Still, the progression of Corbett is going to be a hot topic throughout the offseason leading up to the start of the year.
dark. Next. 3 unheralded players who will make an impact
They have protected themselves with the addition of players such as Eric Kush, but he doesn’t come in with the label of being the first pick in the second round. Corbett was brought in to be a starter and he needs to raise his play this year to make sure the offensive line doesn’t miss a beat.