<![CDATA[The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line]]> So Flugel, tiamat63 and I have decided to start a new series on this forum, where we dissect the Browns by position group. One of us will take a position group (or two) every week, and we'll get into the nitty and/or gritty of the unit. We'll end it with a Q and A section, and we hope you guys add your two cents! Feel free to agree or argue our findings, or answer the Q and A section yourselves! Let's get into what has been the strength of the Browns in the Kevin Stefanski Era: The Offensive Line.

Starters: The Offensive Line has been pivotal in the two playoff seasons the Browns have enjoyed in the last four, but OLine Coaching Legend Bill Callahan has moved on, joining his son Brian in Tennessee. New OLine Coach Andy Dickerson actually coached under Bill Callahan years ago, and comes from Seattle with years as the top OLine Coach. Moving from Callahan to Dickerson in many ways could be the beginning of a position group in transition, for this OLine may look very different in a season or two. Starting with LT Jedrick Wills, he joined the team in 2020 as their first round pick and showed promise as Joe Thomas' successor, but he's either plateaud since then, or even regressed. He's on his fifth year option. LG Joel Bitonio, on the other hand, could possibly join Joe Thomas in Canton. He's been a Pro Bowler for the last six seasons, but Father Time is undefeated, and he will be entering his eleventh season. C Ethan Pocic has been a very solid pickup by the Browns, he grabbed the starting position when Nick Harris went down with a 2022 training camp injury and never gave it back. He's entering his eighth season, and is on a very team-friendly contract for this season and next. RG Wyatt Teller also is a free agent after next season, and while he battles the injury bug from time to time, he's gone to three straight Pro-Bowlers. He's also entering his seventh NFL season. RT Jack Conklin is entering his ninth season in the NFL, and his fifth with the Browns. Unfortunately, he's missed significant amount of time in two of his last three seasons.

Reserves: We start with the Giant from Ohio State, OT Dawand Jones, who stepped in for Conklin and IMO played surprisingly well for what was described as a "raw" rookie. In the third round, the Browns drafted OG Zak Zinter from some undisclosed university, who is coming off a pretty bad injury he suffered in late November. Michael Dunn is back, he's a solid depth guy who has made six starts in his time in Cleveland since 2020. Also returning is James Hudson, entering his fourth and final season of his rookie contract, who has seven career starts with the Browns at tackle. A similar player, Hakeem Adeniji, has twice the amount of starts in his career with Cincinnati. At backup center, veteran Brian Allen from the LA Rams is a new addition, he brings plenty of experience (32 starts) and will battle with Luke Wypler, the ex-Buckeye who was a sixth round pick last season. Rounding out the reserves is experienced veteran Germain Ifedi, with 83 career starts, almost exclusively at tackle, and rookie Javion Cohen, undrafted from the University of Miami. 

So naturally, I have questions regarding this group entering the 2024 season. 

1. What is the strength of the Browns OLine? This one is an easy one, it's the interior. Bitonio, Pocic and Teller make up one of the top interior OLines in the NFL. They are talented and experienced, and all and all can be depended upon to be able to suit up on GameDay. Another strength is the depth at tackle, there is talent and experience backing up Wills and Conklin. 

2. What is the weakness of the Browns OLine? The four starters outside of left tackle are collectively entering their seventh, eighth, ninth and eleventh seasons. Wills, entering his fifth, probably will not play his sixth with the Browns, unless something randomly just clicks with him. Also, beyond Dawand Jones, what backup can we look at today and say: Yep, THAT guy is an eventual heir apparent to replace a current starter? This OLine has been the glue of this team during the Stefanski Era, but it could get very old, very quick if  the Browns aren't careful. 

3. So let's address the elephant in the room: How does Dawand Jones not start at one of the tackle positions? Well tickle me with a feather and call me Susan, but I have no idea. How does Jones not start over Jack Conklin, who has turned into Mr. Glass?  How do the Browns not try to upgrade over a painfully mediocre Jed Wills on the left side? I never thought he'd be able to pull off starting at right tackle his rookie season honestly, now I'm actually thinking he could be Wills' replacement at left tackle? Well, on one good leg, he came in on passing downs vs the Steelers and shut down the greatest defensive end that has ever lived, the one, the only, T.J. Watt. I can't fathom Wills playing well enough to keep Jones on the bench or Conklin staying healthy for an entire or even most of a season. 

4. What veteran is on the bubble to make the team? Here's where I wish I had Unsympathetic's grasp of the salary cap, because I'm not sure if the Browns could feasibly move on from Conklin. I don't think the Browns would pick up the fifth year option on Wills to just cut him. Perhaps James Hudson could be the odd man out in the backup tackle spot?

5. What young backup could potentially become a starter? Well Dawand Jones, obviously. The question isn't if he can be a full-time starter, it is where he ends up. But, there is one thing to consider regarding Jones - we were all pretty happy with Jedrick Wills after his rookie season too. I think the James Hudson progressing into a starter boat has sailed, he might be a training camp casualty or on another team come this time next year. Zinter is an intriguing prospect, but he's somewhat behind the proverbial eight ball coming off a pretty tough late season injury. I'm sure the Browns are optimistic that he's the eventual replacement for either Bitonio or Teller at guard. Luke Wypler honestly reminds me of Nick Harris, and I question if he's anything more than a fringe backup. The Browns need to invest in young OLinemen, which leads me to my last question...

6. Is this position group potentially one that the Browns could use a first rounder on in the next NFL Draft? Oh yes, for the many reasons I already pointed out. Jones is a starter in waiting, but Conklin is nearing the end and Wills most likely isn't long for the Browns. A tackle in the first round wouldn't shock me. If the Browns draft late in Round 1, possibly (but not probably) they could draft a guard, but I wouldn't put money on the Browns investing a first rounder on a guard. Definitely would be shocked if they took a center that high. 

Well folks, what do you think? Feel free to argue my points, or answer the questions posted. Have a question to answer on your own? Let's hear it! 

]]>https://brownsboard.com/topic/69723/the-state-of-the-2024-browns-offensive-lineRSS for NodeFri, 02 Oct 2026 13:54:14 GMTTue, 04 Jun 2024 01:08:26 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sat, 24 Aug 2024 14:49:30 GMT]]>

@syd said:

Zak Zinter already looking the part of a future starting guard

He was a guaranteed First Round Pick until the Ohio State. 

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1133290https://brownsboard.com/post/1133290Sat, 24 Aug 2024 14:49:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:32:55 GMT]]> Zak Zinter already looking the part of a future starting guard ]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1133220https://brownsboard.com/post/1133220Fri, 23 Aug 2024 19:32:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:47:49 GMT]]> As injuries continue to pile up along the offensive line for the Cleveland Browns, they are close to getting one back on the field as right tackle Jack Conklin went through a workout with the training staff for the first time this summer.

The Browns are being forced to give starting reps to Germain Ifedi at left tackle this week due to the multitude of injuries on their depth chart at the offensive tackle position. Getting Conklin back would be a huge relief before we get to Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

 

Starting left tackle Jedrick Wills has yet to return to practice after a Week 9 injury a year ago, so getting a savvy veteran who is also a two-time All-Pro back gives the Browns at least some insurance moving forward. If Wills is healthy, Conklin would likely become the swing tackle behind Dawand Jones and the former 10th overall pick, but given the need to win now and the insurance needed in the tackle room, the Browns would be highly unlikely to move him.

However, step one is getting back on the field and off the PUP list. Conklin is one step closer to doing that.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1133084https://brownsboard.com/post/1133084Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:47:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:38:12 GMT]]> so were going to have a blocking te to help with the lt ? there go's the spread O

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132913https://brownsboard.com/post/1132913Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:38:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:30:19 GMT]]>

@flugel said:

Good points in those 1st few sentences up top JRB.  Left Tackle has been a need; but we paid and committed the guy.  Seems strange to want a QB sooooo bad that all you care to protect him on the blind side with is Jedrick Wills.  As bad as LT is - the Browns have 2 Pro Bowl Guards + 2 very good RTs (if we can keep at least 1 of them healthy). Both guys are very good run blockers. The question is - how much did last year's knee injuries/surgeries change this?   Pocic is solid at Center.  My guess is the OL should be able to perform like they did last year.  We shall see...

Yep, but you are also correct in the silver lining that 4 of the 5 positions have very solid starters. There's always some ways to shield that with how to establish the pocket, but my radar will be fully locked on LT week one.

I do wonder if they kick the tires on one of the vets still out there in Bahktiari, Donovan Smith, or Leno Jr. I don't get to follow this stuff nearly as closely to know if that's even worth considering though- I just know I watched enough of Hudson to hope there's an upgrade somewhere.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132721https://brownsboard.com/post/1132721Mon, 19 Aug 2024 18:30:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:58:45 GMT]]>

@jrb12711 said:

To be fair, I think I've heard that every year since the pandemic and it never is that significantly true. The Browns were 10th in PPG last year despite playing 5 QB's as we know. I don't disagree with the latter point, though. It's wild how much more efficient the offense looked with Flacco.

I didn't watch swaths of the preseason game 2, but man the depth at tackle is no bueno. Hudson is the definition of a turnstile, and losing Callahan is seemingly already showing its downsides. I still have some faith in Dawand Jones, but it's safe to say Wills despite the ups and down will be a significantly important player this year.

Good points in those 1st few sentences up top JRB.  Left Tackle has been a need; but we paid and committed the guy.  Seems strange to want a QB sooooo bad that all you care to protect him on the blind side with is Jedrick Wills.  As bad as LT is - the Browns have 2 Pro Bowl Guards + 2 very good RTs (if we can keep at least 1 of them healthy). Both guys are very good run blockers. The question is - how much did last year's knee injuries/surgeries change this?   Pocic is solid at Center.  My guess is the OL should be able to perform like they did last year.  We shall see...

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132707https://brownsboard.com/post/1132707Mon, 19 Aug 2024 16:58:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:40:50 GMT]]>

@dutch-oven said:

From what a local beat reporter said today on The Fan, the offense in general has looked very pedestrian. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Stefanski and Watson are a bad fit. I am not optimistic that magically they will be on the same page, and I have some doubts that Ken Dorsey really added much to the overall picture. 

To be fair, I think I've heard that every year since the pandemic and it never is that significantly true. The Browns were 10th in PPG last year despite playing 5 QB's as we know. I don't disagree with the latter point, though. It's wild how much more efficient the offense looked with Flacco.

I didn't watch swaths of the preseason game 2, but man the depth at tackle is no bueno. Hudson is the definition of a turnstile, and losing Callahan is seemingly already showing its downsides. I still have some faith in Dawand Jones, but it's safe to say Wills despite the ups and down will be a significantly important player this year.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132694https://brownsboard.com/post/1132694Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:40:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 19 Aug 2024 01:51:20 GMT]]> We'll want to pay attention to the part of the upcoming Seattle game with our starters on the field.  I think that we have talented enough starting receivers.  I feel that Foreman can be a good enough fill-in for Chubb.  

My question marks are:   Watson, is he really any good?  Is he a smart enough QB?   And is our OL good enough such that the skill level of the skilled players can shine through?  So much rides on the big fat guys upfront.  -  For all of the current negativity regarding the OL, we haven't seen the starters play together yet.  

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132663https://brownsboard.com/post/1132663Mon, 19 Aug 2024 01:51:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:49:13 GMT]]>

@orion said:

I bet next April we go LT round 1.  (an entire football season to prove me wrong...and Watson's play could affect that bet)

Left Tackle is definitely a position I could see the Browns going with their first rounder. 

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132652https://brownsboard.com/post/1132652Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:49:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:34:01 GMT]]> I bet next April we go LT round 1.  (an entire football season to prove me wrong...and Watson's play could affect that bet)

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132648https://brownsboard.com/post/1132648Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:34:01 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:45:16 GMT]]>

@syd said:

WTF are we gonna do at LT ?

I think Stefanski has earned trust. I'm sure it's Wills, and if that's not going to work one of these injured guys will have to step up. 

I don't think we as fans should panic about it yet. These preseason games stink, but yeah, the injuries are mounting.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132642https://brownsboard.com/post/1132642Sun, 18 Aug 2024 19:45:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 18 Aug 2024 18:38:37 GMT]]> WTF are we gonna do at LT ?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132641https://brownsboard.com/post/1132641Sun, 18 Aug 2024 18:38:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:34:33 GMT]]>

@dutch-oven said:

From what a local beat reporter said today on The Fan, the offense in general has looked very pedestrian. 

I'd be interested to know how much OL play is involved in that opinion.  I mean, in reality, the OL sets up the play for success...or it doesn't.  We've of course, been through that before...crappy big fat guys not opening holes unless it's for rushers attacking the QB.  

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132390https://brownsboard.com/post/1132390Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:34:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 15 Aug 2024 22:38:02 GMT]]>

@orion said:

The Browns OL supposedly did not look good during 11 on 11 drills on day 1 of joint practices with the Vikings.

From what a local beat reporter said today on The Fan, the offense in general has looked very pedestrian. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Stefanski and Watson are a bad fit. I am not optimistic that magically they will be on the same page, and I have some doubts that Ken Dorsey really added much to the overall picture. 

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132370https://brownsboard.com/post/1132370Thu, 15 Aug 2024 22:38:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:19:18 GMT]]>

@tiamat63 said:

Well, considering how rough they looked in the first pre-season game, this should surprise

Yeah, that wasn't good either.  Hopefully they can work things out and become a unit by opening day.  

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132338https://brownsboard.com/post/1132338Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:19:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:58:22 GMT]]>

@orion said:

The Browns OL supposedly did not look good during 11 on 11 drills on day 1 of joint practices with the Vikings.

Well, considering how rough they looked in the first pre-season game, this should surprise nobody. The Oline is going to be a problem this year and the depth is... Not great. 

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132304https://brownsboard.com/post/1132304Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:58:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:40:58 GMT]]>

@orion said:

...was wondering what they were going to do at center.  It's not like they gave up much for him.  Because he's really not big enough...but he's game enough...and I loved his 1st Down signal in college.  🙂  

Nick Harris is my favorite FB in short yardage when he's the back up Center.  

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132285https://brownsboard.com/post/1132285Thu, 15 Aug 2024 11:40:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:24:58 GMT]]> The Browns OL supposedly did not look good during 11 on 11 drills on day 1 of joint practices with the Vikings.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1132244https://brownsboard.com/post/1132244Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:24:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:40:56 GMT]]>

@dutch-oven said:

Browns trade a 2025 6th round pick to Seattle for center Nick Harris and a 7th rounder. 

Nice to see you again, Nick!

...was wondering what they were going to do at center.  It's not like they gave up much for him.  Because he's really not big enough...but he's game enough...and I loved his 1st Down signal in college.  🙂  

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1131748https://brownsboard.com/post/1131748Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:40:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:35:42 GMT]]> Browns trade a 2025 6th round pick to Seattle for center Nick Harris and a 7th rounder. 

Nice to see you again, Nick!

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1131741https://brownsboard.com/post/1131741Sun, 11 Aug 2024 22:35:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 11 Aug 2024 19:20:14 GMT]]>

@syd said:

NFL free agency: Centers the Browns should look at bringing in after Luke Wypler injury and who has center experience on the current roster from

Is that one of the guys from 'Super Troopers'?

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1131731https://brownsboard.com/post/1131731Sun, 11 Aug 2024 19:20:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 11 Aug 2024 18:35:44 GMT]]>
NFL free agency: Centers the Browns should look at bringing in after Luke Wypler injury and who has center experience on the current roster from
]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1131725https://brownsboard.com/post/1131725Sun, 11 Aug 2024 18:35:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:00:35 GMT]]>

The Browns could use a bit of insurance on the offensive line.

Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin are both expected to be ready for the regular season, but each starter missed time in 2023 with injuries.

Donovan Smith is one of the better offensive tackles available on the free-agent market and he might be worth a look from the Browns.

Cleveland may not need Smith in a few weeks if Wills and Conklin are back in starting-caliber form, but right now, the Browns should explore all of their options in case a setback occurs so that they can properly protect Deshaun Watson starting in Week 1.

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1130962https://brownsboard.com/post/1130962Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:00:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to The State of the 2024 Browns: Offensive Line on Sun, 28 Jul 2024 13:43:30 GMT]]>

@ap1 said:

I've lamented about losing Bill Callahan, but the OL is in good hands.

Cut and paste from Google: 

Dickerson was with Callahan with the Jets in 2011 as a coaching assistant and would watch Browns film in recent years for ideas. Dickerson also worked for Aaron Kromer with the Rams, and Kromer had a history with Callahan.Jun 13, 2024

]]>https://brownsboard.com/post/1130117https://brownsboard.com/post/1130117Sun, 28 Jul 2024 13:43:30 GMT