The Cleveland Browns have not yet announced what the left side of their offensive line will look like. Heading into a week one matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers this is not ideal. The Browns plan to announce who will start at left tackle later in the week but in reality there is only one option.
The only option the Browns really have is to start Joel Bitonio at left tackle and Austin Corbett at left guard. The discussion around starting Desmond Harrison at left tackle and Bitionio at left guard is nonsense. While Harrison could be a starter in the future, he is still extremely raw and could be a liability against Pittsburgh. The reality is that Harrison is a project, not an immediate starter.
Even though Bitionio has not played tackle since college, he is the best option to start the season. Harrison needs time to work on his mechanics and playing a rookie at guard is easier to work around. With Corbett at guard he will be in-between two veteran players who can help him in protection.
There have been discussions that Corbett could even play center in the future. While this is a fun topic for a different time it does not really help the team now. For the Browns to field their best line it must include Bitonio at tackle and Corbett at guard. This also means that JC Tretter starts at center. Further down the line if the Browns acquire another left tackle changes can be made. That means moving Bitonio back to guard and Corbett to center. Of course this is only a potential future plan.
For the Cleveland offense to truly step forward this year, having a competent offensive line is a necessity. Trotting out the best unit includes Bitonio at tackle and Corbett at guard. Any other combination may be a disservice to Tyrod Taylor and the stable of running backs.
