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Breaking down the 2020 Cleveland Browns: Offensive Line

By Greg Newland

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Chris Hubbard #74, Greg Robinson #78, and Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns lead teammates onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Chris Hubbard #74, Greg Robinson #78, and Joel Bitonio #75 of the Cleveland Browns lead teammates onto the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

The offensive line was a real weak spot in 2019 for the Cleveland Browns. Will upgrades be enough to help Bakery Mayfield in 2020?

The Cleveland Browns hold the title of the most disappointing offense in the NFL in 2019. While there were worst performers statistically, the lack of production with so much firepower on the roster was painful for fans to watch. Baker Mayfield not looking comfortable in the pocket, and constant questionable play calls were a theme of the Browns last season.

If you look at any team in football (besides the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots), all successful teams have one thing in common — a strong offensive line. Russell Wilson is too athletic, and Tom Brady throws the ball too quickly to need a great offensive line to stay competitive, but that is not true for anyone else.

Why will things be different in 2020 for the Browns offense? Number one, Kevin Stefanski is a huge upgrade to Freddie Kitchens. It was clear after week two of last season that Kitchens was in way over his head as a play-caller and head coach. How many times on third and two did the Browns line up in shotgun with one of the best running backs in the league? How many times did they throw a fade to Odell Beckham on third and goal from the two-yard line? So many possessions settling for three points instead of seven.

The second reason the Browns offense will improve in 2020 is the offensive line. After being sacked 40 times last season, the line had to be addressed and was quickly by Stefanski and Andrew Berry. Stefanski hired the best offensive line coach in the business in Bill Callahan. That doesn’t solve every issue, but coaching can’t be overlooked in any position.

Look at the rosters Bill Belichick was able to win Super Bowls with. Berry followed up by drafting a day one starter with pick No. 10 in the 2020 draft and signing the best free-agent tackle on the market.

The Browns may have gone from the worst offensive line in the league, to one of the best. Let’s break down the roster at each position.

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