Cleveland Browns: 2018 Depth chart and roster analysis, Offensive Line

Once the prized position of Cleveland Browns fans around the world, the retirement of the great Joe Thomas now leaves only question marks.

Our focus here is the pre-draft offensive line for the Cleveland Browns. I have previously gone over a few other position groups, which can be found via the following links: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends

I will soon get into each position along the offensive line, but I cannot justify any conversation on the subject without first acknowledging the greatest left tackle to ever play the game, one Joe Thomas!

Although the Dawg Pound finds great pride in Joe Thomas, fans are sad to see him ride off into the retirement sunset. A mere thought of the great Joe T now brings both happiness and heartbreak.

Once the Browns re-establish stability at the left tackle position, the heartbreak will fade. The happiness and pride, however, will linger on to our children and to our children’s children. His legacy will live on as long as the game itself, or longer.

On behalf of the Dawg Pound — thank you, Joe Thomas! Thank you for your grit, loyalty and your love! You not only carried the team through some very difficult years, but a worldwide fanbase as well. You offered pride where there was little to be found and fans are forever grateful!

Okay, there’s that heartbreak again, let’s move forward. On to the 2018 campaign:

Right Tackle: Shon Coleman

Last year’s starter on the right side, Coleman had ups and downs, but continued to progress throughout the season. Coleman will likely be first in line to secure the vacancy at left tackle following Thomas’ retirement. I, however, list him as the starter on the right side as he will stabilize continuity remaining in place.

Right Guard: Kevin Zeitler

Zeitler is a solid starter at right guard. Pro Football Focus lists both Zeitler and Joel Bitonio among the top 25 offensive linemen in 2017. Zeitler came in at a not-too-shabby No. 20 overall. I would like to point out that that ranking is among all offensive linemen, among all positions, throughout the NFL.

Center: JC Tretter

A solid starter himself, Tretter should have the added benefit of a full year working alongside Zeitler and Bitonio. A crucial element for stability is familiarity and the middle of the Browns O-line should be a strength in 2018.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Left Guard: Joel Bitonio

As I mentioned above, Bitonio was also listed among the top 25 offensive linemen in 2017, coming in at an outstanding number fourteen. The folks at ProFootballFocus.com also rank him as the sixth best guard in the NFL.

There has been talk of Bitonio sliding over to tackle, but given his solid play, I expect him to remain at guard and ease the transition at tackle.

Left Tackle: ________

You may have noticed, the hole where the starting left tackle should be listed. That was not in error.

Options at Left Tackle include:

Shon Coleman

Listed in the right tackle spot above, it remains to be seen where he will find himself in 2018.

Chris Hubbard

Hubbard, a free agent signing this year, follows offensive coordinator Todd Haley from Pittsburgh. Hubbard started last season as the Steelers top backup and ended up starting 10 games at right tackle due to injury.

His signing tells me that Haley likes what he brings to the table. There is a consensus pencilling-in as Hubbard to start the season at right tackle, which may well be the case if Shon Coleman claims the starting duties on the left.

Spencer Drango

Another contender for the starting left tackle position is Drango. He had a great many struggles in the position last year, but let’s give credit where credit is due. Drango stepped into an unfamiliar position wearing shoes that no man could fill. The guy showed tremendous heart in a tough spot filling in for an injured Joe Thomas.

I consider Drango the top backup at either guard position, where he is much better suited. Although he has proven himself capable of filling in at tackle if the need presents itself.

Draft Pick

I would be amazed if John Dorsey and the decision makers do not bring in another offensive lineman — or two, or three — through the draft. Dorsey has gone as far as saying that he intends to add depth every year on the offensive line.

Most analysts contend that there are no elite prospects at left tackle. With that in mind, I expect one of Cleveland’s second-round selections to be used here. I will not get into the details of each prospect in this piece, but I would offer my own top selection:

Mike McGlinchey

Projected as a mid-to-late first round prospect, the Browns would likely have to trade up from the second round picks to get him. Given the need at the position, such a trade would be warranted if the cost is not too extreme.

Top Depth:

G Spencer Drango
C/G Austin Reiter
T Rod Johnson
T Donald Stephenson

I will admit that depth on the offensive line is one of the toughest groups to estimate. There are few stats to consider and the only time an offensive lineman gets recognized is when they play badly. Reiter has offered solid play, Johnson is a developmental guy entering his second year, and Stephenson was a recent free agent addition. Their roles will continue to be defined but I do expect them to maintain a place on the roster.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

In summary:

The question marks at left tackle, although worrisome, are not unresolvable. The stability provided in the middle will certainly aid the transition on the outside. The key here will be to fill the gap quickly, allowing the unit to bond as a group. With the additions through free agency and more via the draft, both the left tackle position, and depth, should be adequate at the very least.

Improved play at quarterback and running back will also benefit the big men up front and Cleveland Browns fans should feel somewhat comfortable about the offensive line heading in the 2018 season.

Home/Cleveland Browns