Cleveland Browns: 2021 Offensive 53-man roster prediction
By Greg Newland
Offensive Line
For 2021, there really aren’t any questions on who the starters will be for the Cleveland Browns. From left tack across; Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin will be the crew barring any injuries. But, how many backups will they dress on Sundays?
Right now, I’m predicting they will carry four backups at the position. Drew Forbes and Nick Harris will be the two-backup interior offensive lineman. Remember, many thought Forbes would compete to start at right guard before opting out of the 2020 season, and Harris played extremely well when called upon last season.
That leaves the last two spots for rookie James Hudson and veteran Chris Hubbard on the outside. It’s important to note that Hubbard can play any position and would likely be the first man up unless Tretter went down. Hubbard is coming off a major injury, but to this point, it seems like he has healed up extremely well.
Who does that leave out? The three big names are Blake Hance, Michael Dunn, and Alex Taylor. Hance and Dunn played extremely well last year when called upon in the playoff game because of injuries and COVID-19 protocol, and Taylor is a monster guy with a high ceiling who just needs some time to develop.
Taylor is the wildcard of that group, if he has a great camp and preseason, they may find a way to wiggle him on the roster. Not only will the Cleveland Browns have one of the best starting offensive lines in the NFL, but they will also have a ton of tremendously talented depth, which Baker Mayfield will love.