Cleveland Browns: 3 Most under appreciated players

Center: J.C. Tretter

Much of the talk in regards to the Browns offensive line entering 2019 has been focused on left tackle and right guard. Tackle was the first area of interest as the team needed to make a decision with Greg Robinson. A free agent after playing well in the second half of the season, Cleveland ended up retaining him on a one-year deal.

They showed even more faith in him by not taking a tackle early in the draft and they also decided to part ways with Desmond Harrison which ends any speculation about him potentially fighting for a job.

As for right guard, that became a question when Kevin Zeitler was traded to the Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon. A stellar starter, Zeitler’s departure makes things more difficult as Kyle Kalis and Austin Corbett try to fight for the right to replace him.

Lost in much of this is the importance of J.C. Tretter in the middle of the line. A steadying force at center, Tretter was the eighth-best center in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) despite playing through nagging injuries for much of the season. A stud in pass protection, Tretter’s ability in the middle can help the team make up for some of what they’re losing with Zeitler now in the Big Apple.

Tretter was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Cornell. After four seasons with them, he was added in 2017 on a three-year, $16.75 million deal. With no real contenders behind him, he should be playing for a contract extension this season and surely deserves it.

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