4 unknowns heading into the Cleveland Browns 2023 season
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns unknown No. 3 – Will the pass protection improve?
A huge win this offseason was the Cleveland Browns ability to extend offensive line coach, Bill Callahan, but the next big question will be to see if there is a massive improvement in pass protection in 2023. This unit continues to grade out well because they are all excellent run blockers, but when it comes to pass protection, this unit struggled as a whole.
Jedrick Wills will be entering year four in the league with the front office needing to decide on his fifth-year option, and Berry already decided that Jack Conklin was the long-term answer with his extension last season.
The interior of the offensive line is easy to like as well with Joel Bitonio being a fan favorite, but he, Wyatt Teller, and Ethan Pocic all have their faults in pass-blocking situations. It doesn’t mean they can’t improve, but with a quarterback that’s talented enough to throw it around the field, the offensive line must be better in 2023.
Berry has said (without words) this is the group with the extension to Conklin. No one else has a tradable contract and it’s still too early to jump ship on Wills no matter how inconsistent he has been.
Let’s hope that James Hudson continues to show improvement as the swing tackle and that Callahan can really work some magic this offseason.