Browns release Desmond Harrison

The Cleveland Browns have released left tackle Desmond Harrison. Harrison started eight games for Cleveland just last season.

In a vary unsurprising development the Cleveland Browns are releasing Desmond Harrison. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the news Wednesday.

Harrison started eight games last season until being replaced by journeyman Greg Robinson. As soon as the team fired Hue Jackson Harrison was replaced by Robinson. Robinson is now Cleveland’s starter with Harrison left looking for a new job. Harrison was not supposed to be even in the discussion as the starter until being thrust into the position about as late as he could be. Cleveland experimented with Joel Bitonio at left tackle with second round pick Austin Corbett at left guard. Eventually the team opted to go with Harrison at left tackle and keep Bitonio at his familiar left guard.

Attendance and skills were an issue

As Ian Rapoport also mentioned his absence or lateness was an issue. While it appears that this behavior seemed to get the pass from the former coaching staff, it is not going to fly now.

The final part form Rapoport that must be mentioned is Harrisons’ talent. Harrison is a physically gifted player who has potential to be a left tackle in the NFL. The problem is refinement. The book on Harrison coming out of college is that he is super raw and will need time. He is a project. Starting out of the gate did not do him, or the Browns any favors. Harrison was an undrafted free agent signed by Cleveland. Perhaps his age (24) and his unrefined skill set kept teams away in the draft process.

If a team is willing to take on Harrison and invest time in the project things may indeed work out. Apparently the Browns do not believe they are in a place for project left tackles at this point in time. The team needs players who can make an impact right now and not several years down the line.