The forgotten Name in Cleveland Browns offensive line room

Many forget Drew Forbes was challenging to start at right guard before being injured in the final preseason game of 2019.  What does the 2020 season bring for him and the Cleveland Browns?

While offensive tackle certainly has the attention of all Cleveland Browns fans, after watching Baker Mayfield get sacked 40 times in 2019. The other wild card could potentially be right guard, or is it?

While Joel Bitonio and J.C. Tretter showed dominance at center and left guard last season. The forgotten name in the Browns offensive line room that could fill a void at RG appears to be Drew Forbes.

I am all for upgrading both tackle positions as you can read in my previous piece, but I’m not sold yet on needing to upgrade our right guard via free agency or draft. Joe Thuney is the rumored free agent guard that Andrew Berry could have eyes on. The northwest Ohio native is not likely to get the big deal from his previous team, the New England Patriots, that he could get from testing the open market.

While Thuney may be a great fit for the right price, I’m not ready to give up on the athletic and versatile Forbes. The Southeast Missouri alumn was a three-year started at left tackle and was drafted in the 6th round by the Dorsey era in 2019. While Forbes showed potential in training camp last year at guard, he will likely still need time to adjust to the NFL game speed after coming from a small university and missing most of 2019. Forbes was originally drafted as a guard, but his athleticism has only added value to his stock, knowing the switch to tackle is an option.

Former GM John Dorsey was high on the young man and had the following quote which was some heavy praise for Forbes:

"“He’s got incredible athleticism, so why not try him at left or right tackle? If that doesn’t work, then move inside, I mean that’s how you do the offensive line. Let them see what their natural position is and then move forward. He is a very athletic and talented guy who is mature, tenacious, and smart.” — Dorsey, via Ben Axelrod of WKYC"

While the Dorsey era didn’t end as hoped with Cleveland, I don’t think anyone doubts his ability to scout raw talent. The other internal name to watch in competition for the right guard spot is Wyatt Teller. After being traded for in 2019 from the Buffalo Bills, Teller quickly pushed Eric Kush out of a starting spot and only gained confidence as the 2019 season went on.

While I fully support bolstering the offensive line, tackle needs to remain the focus. Once the edges are protected, you can hide a guy in the middle if needed. Take the money Thuney would demand and make sure you lock up the youthful Jack Conklin to an extended deal.

Teller or Forbes, who are both NFL starting quality guards will only make each other better as they battle for the RG spot throughout training camp. Plus, you will have some much-needed depth at guard and tackle (assuming Forbes could make the switch) heading into the regular season.