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Decisions, decisions, what is next for the Cleveland Browns at tackle?

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 takes the snap behind offensive guard Joel Bitonio #75 and tight end Seth DeValve #87 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 takes the snap behind offensive guard Joel Bitonio #75 and tight end Seth DeValve #87 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

The 2020 offseason appears stacked with strong veteran free agents, as well as young talent in the NFL draft that could solve all the Cleveland Browns problems at offensive tackle.

One thing is certain, the Cleveland Browns offensive line struggled tremendously last year. While pressure was often coming from everywhere, the glaring weakness was pressure coming from the outside. Should fans really be surprised the offensive line was such a struggle in 2019? John Dorsey went all-in on the defensive line and wide receiver but ignored likely the biggest issue at offensive tackle.

Desmond Harrison was the big “test pilot” in 2018, as the undrafted rookie started the season.  For two weeks, Dorsey and offensive line coach Bob Wylie (famous for “set hut” on Hard Knocks) looked like heroes as Harrison looked more than capable. Harrison then started to struggle with speed rushers and was later replaced by Greg Robinson in Week 9 of 2018.

Robinson got all our hopes up and performed well, after not living up to the number 2 pick in 2014 for most of his career. After a glimpse of hope, Cleveland signed Robinson to a one-year “prove it” deal. Robinson started 14 games in 2019 at left tackle and performed at a mediocre level. Robinson was eventually benched mid-season for two games to make sure he was still motivated. Anyone making millions that must be checked for passion is no one I want to play on my team…

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Unfortunately, things weren’t much better on the right side in 2019. Chris Hubbard was the “big” signing in 2018, coming to the Browns from the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent. Hubbard signed a 5-year, $37.5 million deal and has started 29 of 32 games in 2 seasons. While durable in his time with Cleveland, Hubbard’s play has not lived up to expectations, especially for the money the Browns shelled out. Hubbard would be a great swingman, just not at his current salary.

Baker Mayfield took a lot of grief in 2019, many referring to it as the famous sophomore slump. Mayfield may have not been himself, but the guy was also running for his life. No quarterback handles pressure well, especially a second-year quarterback.

Who can fix these questions on the offensive line? It appears there are many options, but what is the BEST solution?

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