3 Reasons why Cleveland Browns offense will be top-10 in 2020
By Randy Gurzi
3. The offensive line is vastly improved
Ask 100 people to tell you why the Cleveland Browns offense struggled in 2019 and at least 99 people should answer that the offensive line was too much of an albatross to overcome. Former general manager John Dorsey was great at landing premium talent, and he did make over the Browns roster in a positive way.
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What he struggled with was seeing the whole picture. He didn’t give them nearly enough depth and the injuries they suffered on defense proved that to be true. He also didn’t fully build the offensive line, and in fact, he tore it down some ahead of last season.
Already considered the weak link of their offense, Dorsey chipped away at the talent a bit more as he traded their starting right guard, Kevin Zeitler, to the New York Giants in exchange for Olivier Vernon. Added Vernon was enticing since it gave them two Pro Bowl defensive ends, but their offensive line took a major hit.
Zeitler was never replaced and right guard became a turnstile with Wyatt Teller finally getting the job after going through Eric Kush and Justin McCray. They’re hopeful Teller will continue to lock that position down, but the real reason for hope in 2020 is the overhaul on the outside.
Greg Robinson is out at left tackle and in his place will be No. 10 overall pick Jedrick Wills, Jr. On the right side, Jack Conklin was signed in free agency and he will replace Chris Hubbard, who remained with the team as a backup on a reduced salary.
Whether or not Teller can prove to be a solid right guard long-term, the offensive line is still vastly improved thanks to the addition of Conklin and Wills. Keeping defensive ends from harassing Baker Mayfield is the first step in ensuring the Browns offense improves this year.