Cleveland Browns: Freddie Kitchens wants Austin Corbett to step up
By Ryan Murphy
Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens wants someone to step up at right guard and the team surely hopes that Austin Corbett is the one to do so
When the Cleveland Browns traded one of the best guards in football in Kevin Zeitler, they had to feel confident in last year’s No. 33 overall pick Austin Corbett to step in and win the job.
However, Austin Corbett has been rotating first-team reps with Kyle Kalis and Eric Kush. The competition for the job seems to just be getting started.
Kitchens was asked if any of the three have solidified the position, which he responded, “No.”
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He was also asked if he wishes someone would separate themselves from the other two competing for the job, to which he responded:
"“Yeah, I wish one was but I want them all three to compete. They have all had some good plays. They have all had some bad plays. Under no circumstances are we ready to name the starting guard, which that is what you guys are asking.” — Kitchens, via ClevelandBrowns.com"
Unless this was always the plan-to make Corbett earn it in camp-Browns fans might want to start to worry about Austin Corbett.
His draft status makes him a prime candidate to step in for Zeitler post-Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Many Browns fans and media members expected the job to be Corbett’s by now. However, if he is really struggling to separate himself, it makes you wonder just where he is as a player.
Was getting rid of Zeitler worth it even if Corbett does not pan out? Absolutely, it contributed to the Browns pass rush and dressed Beckham in the orange and brown. There is still cause for concern for Corbett either way.
Short quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield need the pressure in the middle to be kept at bay. So, if a borderline first-round pick in Corbett is struggling to solidify that spot in camp, it is troublesome.
Mix that in with lack of offensive tackle depth? Not great for the Browns.
Next. 3 Fundamentals being stressed in camp. dark
Only time will tell on Austin Corbett.