Offensive tackle prospects Cleveland Browns should target in the 2022 draft
By Jacob Roach
A look at 3 offensive tackle prospects that the Cleveland Browns should target in the upcoming 2022 NFL draft this April.
One of the biggest strengths of the Cleveland Browns during their playoff run in 2020 was their offensive line. During this past season injuries, especially to the offensive tackle position, had the unit not nearly as effective as they were the season before.
The depth was really tested for the Browns at tackle and saw players like Blake Hance, and rookie James Hudson playing a ton of snaps. The uncertainty of Jack Conklin’s recovery from his knee injury also provides additional question marks for the tackle position heading into 2022.
Cleveland would be wise to look to the draft in order to build more depth at the tackle position in case of injury next year. Swing tackle/guard Chris Hubbard has had back-to-back season-ending injuries so there is also a chance that he does not return to the Browns. Let’s look at a few later-round tackles the Browns should target to strengthen the depth at offensive tackle.
Cleveland Browns Offensive Tackle Target No. 3- Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
Kellen Diesch is a prospect that stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs in right around 300 pounds out of Arizona State. The thing that stands out right away is that he has experience in the zone blocking scheme from his time at Arizona State. Having experience in a similar style system will help Diesch make the jump to the NFL easier knowing some of the concepts of his new offense already.
He moves well in space in the screen game and when he is climbing to the next level, a pretty good athlete for an offensive tackle. Moving well in space helps in the Browns scheme but he is a better pass blocker than he is a run blocker.
Has a great stance, is fluid in his motions, and uses his hands well against opposing pass rushers. Some of the bigger and stronger edge rushers will handle him but he does a good job of leading his guys past the quarterback. He is more of an agile tackle than a power player but his fit in this scheme could make him a good swing tackle for this team.