Cleveland Browns: Austin Corbett still working as a backup

The Cleveland Browns traded Kevin Zeitler with the intention of Austin Corbett taking over at right guard, but so far in OTAs he hasn’t cracked the first team

With the third week of OTAs underway, things are starting to get interesting for the Cleveland Browns offensive line. Four of the five starters from 2018 are returning, but all eyes are on what happens at right guard.

That’s where Austin Corbett is supposed to be taking over as the No. 33 overall pick’s presence made them willing to trade Kevin Zeitler for edge rusher Olivier Vernon. That trade made it seem as though Corbett had some fans in the front office, but they said he wouldn’t be handed anything.

This appears to be true as Corbett has yet to solidify the starting spot and has spent more time working with the second team in offseason practices. According to Andrew Gribble of ClevelandBrowns.com, he’s still on the second team working at center behind J.C. Tretter.

"“Thursday’s practice, the ninth of 10 OTAs, featured more of Kyle Kalis working with the first team at right guard while Corbett led the second-team group at center.” — Gribble, ClevelandBrowns.com"

Kyle Kalis, originally an undrafted free agent last season with the Washington Redskins, joined the Browns in September of 2018 as a practice squad member. He moved to the active roster in December and appeared in three games.

His ascension over Corbett has to be frustrating for the team even if they won’t come out an admit it. Cleveland took the former Nevada offensive tackle despite the talented Will Hernandez still on the board. Originally it seemed as though this was a nod that Corbett could be in line to play outside, but that proved not to be the case as he was quickly moved inside.

Should he continue to struggle, this could be a problem for an offensive line that’s used to being stacked along the interior.