Cleveland Browns: Can Tommy Togiai crack the starting lineup?

It is quite rare that a rookie drafted in the fourth round or later in the NFL draft is able to crack the starting lineup in year one, but defensive lineman Tommy Togiai is up for the challenge with the Cleveland Browns.

The Cleveland Browns drafted Tommy Togiai in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Togiai will certainly see the field, but can he be a starter on this team?

He joins a crowded room with the likes of Andrew Billings, Malik Jackson, Jordan Elliott, Malik McDowell, Sheldon Day, Marvin Wilson, and Damion Square.

Billings will be playing for the first time in two seasons, as he opted out of last season due to COVID-19 health and safety protocol. As long as he comes to camp healthy, he should have a starting spot, as he is a three-year veteran, spending his first three seasons with the Bengals.

Malik Jackson signed with the Browns earlier in the offseason, after spending a year with the Eagles. He’s another veteran guy who is likely going to start this season.

Malik McDowell is a complete roll of the dice for Andrew Berry, as he has had off the field and health issues since being drafted back in the 2nd round of the 2017 draft by the Seahawks. Unless he makes a huge impression during training camp, he will likely be cut.

Jordan Elliott enters year two and showed some upside last year, playing in all 16 regular-season games plus the two playoff games.

Marvin Wilson was an undrafted free agent signing and has a good chance at making the team, as long as camp goes accordingly.

Damion Square is another veteran presence but will have quite the battle to make the 53-man roster.

So where does that leave Togiai? He will have an interesting battle in camp going up against those aforementioned, but it is a battle that looks to be in his favor.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com thinks that Togiai will make the roster, but did not state if he would be a starter this season. Dan Labbe, also of Cleveland.com, predicted that Togiai will beat out Billings and start in the season opener against the Chiefs.

"“Then there’s Tommy Togiai, the fourth-round pick out of Ohio State who looked the part in the spring. He’s going to push for playing time and he’s the type of player who could thrive in his opportunities in camp and the preseason. We’ll take the surprise winner for this battle.” — Labbe, Cleveland.com"

Ellis J. Williams, another Cleveland.com writer, thinks that Togiai is intriguing, but does not foresee him being further along than Elliott.

"“Togiai intrigues me, but I’d be surprised if he comes to camp further along than second-year tackle Jordan Elliott.” — Williams, Cleveland.com"

Togiai will certainly be in the mix to start and will have to build on an impressive spring campaign. He has a ton of upper body strength, but some scouts think he is undersized with shorter arms. However, he does have an impressive motor.

As of right now, before camp opens up, I’ll say that Togiai does not beat out Jackson or Billings for a starting spot, but he will be a key backup/rotational piece for the season. He and Elliott can sub in and replace Jackson and Billings when needed.

This battle in camp will be one that I’m keeping a close eye on. Togiai has an uphill climb to be a starter, but that is not a bad thing.

The more reps he gets in practice and the more he soaks up from the veterans, the better off he will be in his rookie year and beyond.