The Cleveland Browns are certainly aware of their issues on the offensive line. In addition to having Jack Conklin on their radar, three others are now in the mix. New England’s Joe Thuney, Green Bay’s Bryan Bulaga, and Washington’s Brandon Scherff.
This point towards two things.
- Chris Hubbard is likely to be let go
- They do not view Wyatt Teller as a long term solution
This is good. Cleveland has identified that Hubbard is expensive and replaceable and that they can find a better option than Teller at right guard.
Joe Thuney and Brandon Scherff are both guards. By process of elimination that means Teller is the odd man out. Joel Bitonio is a stud at left guard and is not in any danger of being replaced. Bryan Bulaga is a right tackle which means Hubbard is expendable.
Offensive lineman in free agency are usually a gamble, but two important things worth mentioning in regards to this gamble and the state of the Cleveland Browns.
- They can afford to take that gamble
- They need to take that gamble
If the Browns have any hope of making Kevin Stefanski’s offense work they need to have competent lineman. Currently they have two in Bitonio and JC Tretter. If Cleveland signs two lineman (one guard and one tackle) in free agency that leaves them in need of only tackle in the draft. It also opens up their options with the 10th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. This could pave the way to the team taking best player available regardless of position and not limit themselves to the option of left tackle. This could make the possibility of selecting Isaiah Simmons 10th overall more of a reality than a fantasy.
