What’s left to tackle? Left Tackle

The new Browns’ regime of Vice President of Football Administration and General Manager Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski have a done a pretty good job thus far in their short tenure.

They’ve added four key pieces on offense in tight end Austin Hooper, right tackle Jack Conklin, backup quarterback Case Keenum (all via free agency) and fullback Andy Janovich (trade).

Good for them that they filled all those holes, at least on paper. Good, of course, for the Browns, who need to rebound after last season’s disappointing 6-10 finish. Good, in particular, for quarterback Baker Mayfield in that he is being surrounded by some quality players. And also good for their fans, who have endured this nightmarish two-decade expansion era.

Now, though, one big task – one gaping hole – remains, and it concerns left tackle. The Browns have to hit it outta the park there, too – again, at least on paper – for the man who plays there will have the all-important job of protecting Mayfield’s blind side. A big part of a line’s worth is determined by the play of the man at left tackle, and because of that, the Cleveland line was … well, pretty worthless last season.

That has to change, for the sake of everybody involved. That’s especially the case with Berry and Stefanski. Much of their first offseason together will be gauged by how well they navigate these tricky waters. Indeed, it will not be easy, for unlike free agency, where the Browns just went out and signed players, or gave away a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in a trade, they have to figure out the best course of action between free agency, a trade and the draft.

Do they use their first pick in the Draft, at No. 10 overall, to take one of the bevy of top-rated left tackles, giving the Browns, with Conklin, two bookend tackles for the foreseeable future? Or do they sign a veteran left tackle, or trade for one, giving them a proven guy to put out there, and use that draft choice on a player at another position?

It’s a tough, tough call, and, as mentioned, they have to get it right.

What’s left to tackle? Left Tackle by Steve King

More Browns News

• “Andrew Billings has learned to appreciate every snap, is eager to join Cleveland’s defensive line” (BrownsZone)
• Myles Garrett Working Out (Browns Daily Dose)
• “Keenum Says He’s Ready To Step In & Play Well, If Needed” (OBR)
• “What did the Browns defense gain in signing former Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo? — Film review” (cleveland.com)
• “Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz thinks Browns, any NFL team wise to draft ‘freakish’ Tristan Wirfs” (CantonRep)
• Jim Donovan and Doug Dieken – Simply the best (Browns Daily Dose)

And most importantly…

Sending 🧡 to our heroes out there on the frontlines.

Thank you to all of the doctors and healthcare workers that work tirelessly to keep our community safe!#NationalDoctorsDay | #give10 pic.twitter.com/yW1GR17XOw

— BrownsGiveBack (@BrownsGiveBack) March 30, 2020