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A Brief Offensive Line Preview During Summer Doldrums

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  • This article I'm sharing below probably won't teach you anything you don't already know. Having said that, the positions we talk about most frequently (QB & RB) will be counting on our Offensive Line as the key to their success. 

    https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/breaking-down-the-browns-offensive-line-position-preview

    Breaking down the Browns' offensive line | Position Preview

    The Browns’ offensive line is anchored by key veteran players in Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller

    Jul 02, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Kelsey Russo

    Associate Editor & Staff Writer

    The Browns are less than a month away from players reporting back to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for the beginning of training camp. To prepare for training camp, associate editor Kelsey Russo is putting together a preview for each position on the roster. Catch up on the quarterbacks and defensive line previews. Next up, let's look at the offensive line.

    The Offensive Line:

    Centers

    Ethan Pocic
    Luke Wypler

    Guards

    Joel Bitonio
    Javion Cohen
    Teven Jenkins
    Brady Latham
    Wyatt Teller
    Dartanyan Tinsley
    Zak Zinter

    Tackles

    Jackson Barton
    Jack Conklin
    Jason Ivey
    Dawand Jones
    Cornelius Lucas
    Roy Mbaeteka
    Julian Pearl
    Lorenzo Thompson

    What we know: The Browns' offensive line got a big boost in the offseason with Joel Bitonio's decision to play another year in Cleveland. As he enters his 12th season in the league and with the Browns, Bitonio's presence on the offensive line is key alongside a veteran group consisting of Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller that has played together for several years. They act as the anchors of the offensive line, and their deep understanding of one another as a unit serves as a foundational piece in which they can build off.

    But the Browns also addressed the need for depth on the offensive line after injuries have played a factor in the previous two seasons. They signed Teven Jenkins and Cornelius Lucas during free agency, who both have an opportunity to earn their spot on the offensive line.

    The Browns have Dawand Jones back healthy after he broke his fibula and cut his 2024 season short. During OTAs and minicamp, Jones continued to take reps at left tackle. He played three games at left tackle during the 2024 season and four at right tackle before his injury and continues to grow comfortable on the left side with adjusting to the angles and nuances of playing on the left side.

    The biggest question: How will the offensive line help establish the run game in 2025? The Browns struggled to run the ball throughout the 2024 season, averaging just 94.6 rushing yards per game, and the offensive line took responsibility for their part in the struggles. Heading into training camp and the 2025 season, the offensive line has an increased focused on creating running lanes for the running backs as well as providing space and protection. Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren said from the first day that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees introduced the offensive identity to the team, he's seen a high level of excitement and commitment from the offensive line in integrating the techniques needed for the success of the wide zone.

    The X-Factor: Pocic. Bloomgren wants the offensive line to "see the game through one set of eyes." And those eyes belong to Pocic at center, who is going to identify blocking assignments to the offensive line. Pocic is entering his ninth NFL season and his fourth with the Browns.

    Says it all: "I think the depth is coming. I think the offseason moves that we've made bringing Teven (Jenkins) and Cornelius Lucas in, those are great steps to shoring that up. There's also going to be some competition at a couple of positions because of those guys jumping in there. I think Luke Wypler, who we call coach Wypler because of his knowledge of the system, I think he's doing a great job, and we have a ton of confidence in him." – offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren on the depth at offensive line.

    How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster in 2024: 10

  • This article I'm sharing below probably won't teach you anything you don't already know. Having said that, the positions we talk about most frequently (QB & RB) will be counting on our Offensive Line as the key to their success. 

    https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/breaking-down-the-browns-offensive-line-position-preview

    Breaking down the Browns' offensive line | Position Preview

    The Browns’ offensive line is anchored by key veteran players in Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller

    Jul 02, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Kelsey Russo

    Associate Editor & Staff Writer

    The Browns are less than a month away from players reporting back to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for the beginning of training camp. To prepare for training camp, associate editor Kelsey Russo is putting together a preview for each position on the roster. Catch up on the quarterbacks and defensive line previews. Next up, let's look at the offensive line.

    The Offensive Line:

    Centers

    Ethan Pocic
    Luke Wypler

    Guards

    Joel Bitonio
    Javion Cohen
    Teven Jenkins
    Brady Latham
    Wyatt Teller
    Dartanyan Tinsley
    Zak Zinter

    Tackles

    Jackson Barton
    Jack Conklin
    Jason Ivey
    Dawand Jones
    Cornelius Lucas
    Roy Mbaeteka
    Julian Pearl
    Lorenzo Thompson

    What we know: The Browns' offensive line got a big boost in the offseason with Joel Bitonio's decision to play another year in Cleveland. As he enters his 12th season in the league and with the Browns, Bitonio's presence on the offensive line is key alongside a veteran group consisting of Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller that has played together for several years. They act as the anchors of the offensive line, and their deep understanding of one another as a unit serves as a foundational piece in which they can build off.

    But the Browns also addressed the need for depth on the offensive line after injuries have played a factor in the previous two seasons. They signed Teven Jenkins and Cornelius Lucas during free agency, who both have an opportunity to earn their spot on the offensive line.

    The Browns have Dawand Jones back healthy after he broke his fibula and cut his 2024 season short. During OTAs and minicamp, Jones continued to take reps at left tackle. He played three games at left tackle during the 2024 season and four at right tackle before his injury and continues to grow comfortable on the left side with adjusting to the angles and nuances of playing on the left side.

    The biggest question: How will the offensive line help establish the run game in 2025? The Browns struggled to run the ball throughout the 2024 season, averaging just 94.6 rushing yards per game, and the offensive line took responsibility for their part in the struggles. Heading into training camp and the 2025 season, the offensive line has an increased focused on creating running lanes for the running backs as well as providing space and protection. Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren said from the first day that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees introduced the offensive identity to the team, he's seen a high level of excitement and commitment from the offensive line in integrating the techniques needed for the success of the wide zone.

    The X-Factor: Pocic. Bloomgren wants the offensive line to "see the game through one set of eyes." And those eyes belong to Pocic at center, who is going to identify blocking assignments to the offensive line. Pocic is entering his ninth NFL season and his fourth with the Browns.

    Says it all: "I think the depth is coming. I think the offseason moves that we've made bringing Teven (Jenkins) and Cornelius Lucas in, those are great steps to shoring that up. There's also going to be some competition at a couple of positions because of those guys jumping in there. I think Luke Wypler, who we call coach Wypler because of his knowledge of the system, I think he's doing a great job, and we have a ton of confidence in him." – offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren on the depth at offensive line.

    How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster in 2024: 10

    @flugel said:

    This article I'm sharing below probably won't teach you anything you don't already know. Having said that, the positions we talk about most frequently (QB & RB) will be counting on our Offensive Line as the key to their success. 

    https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/breaking-down-the-browns-offensive-line-position-preview

    Breaking down the Browns' offensive line | Position Preview

    The Browns’ offensive line is anchored by key veteran players in Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller

    Jul 02, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Kelsey Russo

    Associate Editor & Staff Writer

    The Browns are less than a month away from players reporting back to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for the beginning of training camp. To prepare for training camp, associate editor Kelsey Russo is putting together a preview for each position on the roster. Catch up on the quarterbacks and defensive line previews. Next up, let's look at the offensive line.

    The Offensive Line:

    Centers

    Ethan Pocic
    Luke Wypler

    Guards

    Joel Bitonio
    Javion Cohen
    Teven Jenkins
    Brady Latham
    Wyatt Teller
    Dartanyan Tinsley
    Zak Zinter

    Tackles

    Jackson Barton
    Jack Conklin
    Jason Ivey
    Dawand Jones
    Cornelius Lucas
    Roy Mbaeteka
    Julian Pearl
    Lorenzo Thompson

    What we know: The Browns' offensive line got a big boost in the offseason with Joel Bitonio's decision to play another year in Cleveland. As he enters his 12th season in the league and with the Browns, Bitonio's presence on the offensive line is key alongside a veteran group consisting of Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic and Wyatt Teller that has played together for several years. They act as the anchors of the offensive line, and their deep understanding of one another as a unit serves as a foundational piece in which they can build off.

    But the Browns also addressed the need for depth on the offensive line after injuries have played a factor in the previous two seasons. They signed Teven Jenkins and Cornelius Lucas during free agency, who both have an opportunity to earn their spot on the offensive line.

    The Browns have Dawand Jones back healthy after he broke his fibula and cut his 2024 season short. During OTAs and minicamp, Jones continued to take reps at left tackle. He played three games at left tackle during the 2024 season and four at right tackle before his injury and continues to grow comfortable on the left side with adjusting to the angles and nuances of playing on the left side.

    The biggest question: How will the offensive line help establish the run game in 2025? The Browns struggled to run the ball throughout the 2024 season, averaging just 94.6 rushing yards per game, and the offensive line took responsibility for their part in the struggles. Heading into training camp and the 2025 season, the offensive line has an increased focused on creating running lanes for the running backs as well as providing space and protection. Offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren said from the first day that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees introduced the offensive identity to the team, he's seen a high level of excitement and commitment from the offensive line in integrating the techniques needed for the success of the wide zone.

    The X-Factor: Pocic. Bloomgren wants the offensive line to "see the game through one set of eyes." And those eyes belong to Pocic at center, who is going to identify blocking assignments to the offensive line. Pocic is entering his ninth NFL season and his fourth with the Browns.

    Says it all: "I think the depth is coming. I think the offseason moves that we've made bringing Teven (Jenkins) and Cornelius Lucas in, those are great steps to shoring that up. There's also going to be some competition at a couple of positions because of those guys jumping in there. I think Luke Wypler, who we call coach Wypler because of his knowledge of the system, I think he's doing a great job, and we have a ton of confidence in him." – offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren on the depth at offensive line.

    How many were kept on the initial 53-man roster in 2024: 10

    Interesting looking group... The keys this year form me are trajectory growth for Jones, Wypler and Zinter.. Can they take the next step.. This will be an indictment directly to Berry and the Browns scouting dept.... This is where you are supposed to really earn your money... The 3 I mentioned are projected to be O line cornerstones.. Zinter and Jones most notably... 

    The upcoming W/L margin (totals) won't be the only thing jimmy is looking at... It will be the procurement and return on said draft picks...This all falls on Berry and Moneyball.. 

    Stefanski... Whether you like him or not takes the fall..

    I see the whole thing collectively.. They have been given more than a fair shot...

    Produce... Or GTFOOH!

  • With the QB position destined to be what it is this season, there will have to be good OLine play to take the pressure off of the QB position.  There will need to be ample time for easy pass completion plays.  There will need to be running lanes for the new RB's....in order to set up the pass plays for success.  Also, the D will need to play well.  We can't afford to fall behind such that we need to pass all of the time. 

  • Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

  • Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman.

    Yes.  OLineman, Safety, WR.  Well regarded players from those positions were available to us many times.  But the players that we drafted instead were also well regarded.  The possible exception being Gabriel.  (from where we sit.  but Berry & Stef had him ranked as the #2 QB in the draft)

  • Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    Yeah, I think we missed out on some talented LTs Dutch. I liked this part of the article and seeing what the new OL Coach thinks about the young Wypler Snapper:

    image.thumb.png.11de45164c8c7b0eda32a43f5368e7d2.png

  • Wypler and Zinter need to make big strides this season so they can become starters in 2026. 

  • Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    It wouldn't have hurt anything but I think we are in position to move on from all 3 if necessary. The signing of Jenkens was big.  He might start this season.  We seem high on Wypler. I have some doubt with him but only because he has limited experience due  to injury.

    I think our depth is good this season.  We also have two 1st round picks next year. Nothing says we have to use any of them on a QB.  I think we have 2 talented rookies on the squad this year.  I think both can be good QB's.   It's way early to project who we might draft next year but I would be pretty happy if we drafted a wide receiver and a LT prospect with the other.

  • @dutch-oven said:

    Pocic, Bitonio, Conklin and Teller all are on their last year of their contracts. 

    Kind of makes me wish they would have drafted an OLineman. 

    It wouldn't have hurt anything but I think we are in position to move on from all 3 if necessary. The signing of Jenkens was big.  He might start this season.  We seem high on Wypler. I have some doubt with him but only because he has limited experience due  to injury.

    I think our depth is good this season.  We also have two 1st round picks next year. Nothing says we have to use any of them on a QB.  I think we have 2 talented rookies on the squad this year.  I think both can be good QB's.   It's way early to project who we might draft next year but I would be pretty happy if we drafted a wide receiver and a LT prospect with the other.

    @ballpeen said:

    It wouldn't have hurt anything but I think we are in position to move on from all 3 if necessary. The signing of Jenkens was big.  He might start this season.  We seem high on Wypler. I have some doubt with him but only because he has limited experience due  to injury.

    I think our depth is good this season.  We also have two 1st round picks next year. Nothing says we have to use any of them on a QB.  I think we have 2 talented rookies on the squad this year.  I think both can be good QB's.   It's way early to project who we might draft next year but I would be pretty happy if we drafted a wide receiver and a LT prospect with the other.

    Good points!  We'll see... Most of the guys we're talking about have had trouble staying healthy including new arrival Teven Jenkins.  All the ones with starting experience fall in the "good when healthy" category IMO.  

  • You are right, we'll see.  All the guys mentioned might stay healthy the rest of their careers, they might be injured the majority of the time. The same holds for any player we draft or sigh.