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6 Cleveland Browns offensive linemen that got away

By Elliot Kennel

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Schwartz #72 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the bench before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 31-13. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Schwartz #72 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the bench before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 31-13. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 31: Roderick Johnson #78 of the Cleveland Browns blocks Isaiah Irving #47 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 31, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Browns defeated the Bears 25-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 31: Roderick Johnson #78 of the Cleveland Browns blocks Isaiah Irving #47 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 31, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Browns defeated the Bears 25-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Roderick Johnson, Houston Texans

Roderick Johnson was drafted by the Browns in the fifth round in 2017 out of Florida State and had some upside — although it was known he would be a bit of a project.

His development was halted as he went on the injured reserve due to a knee injury, missing his entire rookie season. The following year, though apparently healthy, he was surprisingly cut by the Browns. He then resurfaced with the Houston Texans as a backup.

This year their starter at right tackle was injured, and the Texans used the unorthodox approach of platooning Johnson and Chris Clark. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranks Johnson as the 43rd best tackle in the NFL, which makes him below average, but well within the range necessary to be a starter.

Johnson plays mainly running downs although PFF rates him higher than Clark in pass blocking as well as run blocking. Thus, a player who seemed to be a draft bust turned out to have talent after moving on to a new team.

Cleveland’s scouting staff apparently didn’t do their job in this case. On the other hand, they will have to scrutinize the coaching staff to determine why Johnson could not be developed with the Browns organization.

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