This offseason has been an absolute nightmare for the Cleveland Browns. After losing key veteran players due to free agency, the organization hopes to lean on their younger athletes to carry the load in 2016.
The Browns have always had a somewhat decent offensive line these last few seasons. With the key departures of center Alex Mack and offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz, the team hopes third-round draft pick Shon Coleman from Auburn can step up and provide for this offense.
In a recent Pro Football Focus article that ranked the team’s offensive line, writer Nathan Jahnke placed the 3-13 Browns at number 21 on his list.
The Browns used to have one of the best offensive line’s in football as recently as early 2015, but free agency has forced the unit to take a step back. Mitchell Schwartz signed with the Chiefs, and Alex Mack is now suiting up for the Falcons. Joel Bitonio had a great rookie year that he just couldn’t replicate in 2015, while John Greco also produced his worst season of the PFF era (since 2007). While both guards can rebound and Cameron Erving could have a strong sophomore season, at the very least, they still have Joe Thomas.
The team acquired Alvin Bailey, a former undrafted product from Arkansas, in March from the Seattle Seahawks. The team hopes Bailey can help fill the void that has been left when both Mack and Schwartz left this offseason to join other teams.
The 2016 Cleveland Browns will be very interesting to watch. Hopefully the offensive line can step up and shine, and if that’s the case, quarterback Robert Griffin III can get back into his 2012 rookie form.
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