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3 Players who will shine early at Cleveland Browns training camp

By Randy Gurzi

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after sacking the quarterback and recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 45-20. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 24: Jack Conklin #78 of the Tennessee Titans blocks during the first half of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 42-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

3. Jack Conklin, RT

Heading into this offseason, the Browns biggest need was clear — offensive tackle. They did a poor job trying to replace left tackle Joe Thomas as Greg Robinson wasn’t up to the task. Neither was Desmond Harrison, who started the first eight games of 2018 before Robinson took over.

As for the right tackle, they opted to go with Chris Hubbard, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hubbard came in with high praise from Todd Haley who was the offensive coordinator at the time. He had spent time in the same role with the Steelers but lasted just eight games before being fired.

Even with Haley gone, the Browns relied on Hubbard and he just seemed to be a poor fit for their line. Hubbard, to his credit, stuck around this season on a restructured deal that saved the team money but he won’t be starting in 2020. Instead, the Browns will have Jack Conklin who they signed to a three-year deal worth $42 million.

Conklin comes over from the Tennessee Titans and had his best campaign in 2019. He’s a solid offensive tackle who really excels in the run game, and with Kevin Stefanski favoring a run-first offense, Conklin is going to be a star.

Even in camp when things aren’t as amped up as much as they can be during a regular game, Conklin’s talent is going to stand out — and considering how much they have needed such a tackle on the O-line, that will only help his star shine brighter.

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