Looking at the 2021 Cleveland Browns offensive line
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns O-line went from a weakness to a strength
Perhaps the most improved unit for the Cleveland Browns in 2020 was the offensive line. With a huge improvement in pass protection, Baker Mayfield was much more comfortable in the pocket and had a tremendous season that led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994.
General manager Andrew Berry set the tone early when he signed the best free-agent right tackle, Jack Conklin, to a three-year deal. He then followed up by drafting a tackle with the no. 10 overall pick in the draft in Jedrick Wills from Alabama. Both were tremendous additions to the team and really solidified an already strong interior line.
The Browns appear to be in good shape for 2021, but there are a few questions moving forward that may need to be addressed.
Secondary Reserves
Blake Hance, Michael Dunn, Alex Taylor, and Drake Dorbeck would be lineman eight through 11 in the depth chart. Because of a few injuries, Dunn and Hance both had opportunities to play at guard and tackle. While it was a scary thought as a fan to see them on the field, both performed very well in week 17 and the first-round playoff game, both vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Both Hance and Dunn are under contract through the end of 2021 and will likely be good targets to re-sign as backups at the right price. If the Browns can keep Bill Callahan on the staff as the offensive line coach, both players could turn into starting guards or tremendous back-ups for the Cleveland Browns.
None of these guys will likely be real difference-makers, but you can never have enough talent at offensive line, and Callahan is the perfect groomer for them.