3 ‘big-name’ offensive free agents the Cleveland Browns should consider
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns Offensive Free Agent Target No. 2: Andre Dillard, OT
One of the biggest weaknesses this year that continues to get overlooked is the offensive line. All five guys seem to be above-average run blockers, but none of them besides Joel Bitonio seems to fare well against elite pass rushers.
Andre Dillard is the type of player that Berry will fall in love with. A former first-round pick that hasn’t lived up to expectations and is likely looking for a one-year deal. The point of bringing Dillard to Cleveland would not be to start, but to at least bring some competition for Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin, and James Hudson.
There’s no doubt that the tackle room will be a little crowded, but they need depth for many reasons. One, there always seems to be an injury on the offensive line each week. Two, I’m not sold any of these guys are great NFL starters so competition will only make them better.
I don’t think Dillard is so far gone you look to move him to guard. At 6-foot-5, he would be a tough one to consistently throw around. But, if Berry can get him on a one-year deal that is affordable and convince him that working with Bill Callahan will only help him out, I think the fit is perfect.
The other scenario would be to draft an offensive lineman in round four or five, but the odds of getting someone who is eventually a starter are too low in that scenario.