Cleveland Browns 2021 offensive draft strategy
By Greg Newland
Offensive Line
It can’t be stressed enough on how much improvement there was from 2019 to 2020. While the Browns have always had a solid interior line, both tackles were just awful in 2019. Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin not only solidified the line, they with coach Bill Callahan transcended into one of the best units in the league.
While there is no immediate need on the line, the Browns will likely be drafting for depth especially on the interior of the line. Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and Wyatt Teller are as good of a group of starters as any team in the league, but it’s looking less and less likely they will be able to retain all of them moving forward.
Teller is under contract for one more season, Tretter through 2022, but with a big cap hit next season and little dead money, and Bitonio through 2022 with no dead money next offseason. While I don’t see either being cap casualties because they are such high performers, an extension for both seems unlikely unless the cap blows through the roof.
Nick Harris was drafted last year, and he seems to be the next man up, but I would not be surprised to see the Browns take another young lineman in the draft. Possibly a tackle in the later rounds with the hope of transitioning to guard, or an athletic guard who can shine in the zone scheme.
While Chris Hubbard will likely be the swing tackle, remember he is coming off a serious injury. I’m not sold the Browns will go tackle, but if a guy they like sticks around longer than expected, they may be tempted.