Cleveland Browns: Fielding dominant O-line a clear goal
Many of the Cleveland Browns’ offensive struggles could be traced to a weak offensive line last season. They’ve made it a clear that fixing that is a priority.
If you weren’t already aware that the Cleveland Browns are working to build a dominant offensive line, you obviously haven’t been paying attention to the Browns this offseason. Cleveland inked guard Joel Bitonio to a new extension that can keep him in town through 2022. They also added standout guard Kevin Zeitler and center J.C. Tretter to the group in free agency.
With perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas also in the mix, the Brown have laid the foundation for one of the best lines in the entire NFL. However, the Browns recently took their molding of the line to a new level by bringing in a couple former stars to help the unit grow during organized team activities (OTAs).
The team recently had Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Munoz in town as a guest coach during OTAs:
Former #Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz at #Browns OTAs as a guest coach pic.twitter.com/dUbgPaiHYC
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 24, 2017
Former NFL center—and six-time Pro Bowler—Olin Kreutz was also on hand for OTAs:
Former All-Pro O-linemen Anthony Munoz and Olin Kreutz are here watching today's Browns OTA.
— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) May 24, 2017
The presence of Munoz and Kreutz at OTAs is notable because it shows the Browns have a real commitment to the offensive line. Hue Jackson is an offensive coach. However, he’s made it clear that he want to know what he doesn’t know. Guys like Munoz and Kreutz can help show the Browns what it takes to field a truly elite line.
“Anytime we can get guys who have played football at a high level to come in and help with our players, I am all for that,” Jackson said, via the Browns’ official website.
Next: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: First-wave OTAs edition
The only spot on the line really up for grabs now is the right tackle job — where former first-round pick Cam Erving and 2016 third-rounder Shon Coleman should be the primary competitors. If the Browns can get even above-average play from the right tackle spot, they should be able to boast one of the top offensive lines in the conference. That alone should help the offense take a major step forward in 2017.