Cleveland Browns: Pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction

Offensive Line (9): Greg Robinson, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Kyle Kalis, Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm, Eric Kush, Austin Corbett, Drew Forbes

This seems to be the one positional group where there is a bit of concern. Yes, the Browns did fine along the offensive line during their 5-3 stretch to end the 2018 season but a lot of that was due to changes made by the coaching staff. Freddie Kitchens switched things up to a dish protection scheme and called plays to get the ball out of Baker Mayfield‘s hands much quicker. It worked as it limited his sacks and number of hits, but the question is whether or not that can be sustained for a full season.

As for the players who will be trying to prove that it can be, four of the five starters from last season will return. Left tackle Greg Robinson, a former No. 2 overall pick out of Auburn, was given a one-year deal worth up to $9 million after he resurrected his career last season with Cleveland. Their other tackle is Chris Hubbard, who had some ups and downs in his first year with the Browns.

The interior was solid last season with Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and Kevin Zeitler. Bitonio and Tretter return, but Zeitler was sent to the New York Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon. They hoped Austin Corbett could replace him but so far that’s not looking great. He’s a reserve here as he’s been working with the second team behind Kyle Kalis.

Kendall Lamm was added in the offseason and he has 24 career starts in 55 games with the Houston Texans. He could push Hubbard should he fail to find more consistency. Another free agent signing was Eric Kush, who could challenge Kalis while also being an option as a reserve center if needed.

The group is rounded out with Drew Forbes, a sixth-round pick from Southeast Missouri State. He’s moving from tackle to guard, but the coaches love his style of play and he could have a bright future ahead of him.