Browns' Offensive Line Upgrades: Solak's Ranking May Be Off

0:00On March 25, ESPN analyst Ben Solack recently ranked the Cleveland Browns 21st out of 32 teams in free agency moves. That's below average, which might have Brown's fans groaning in Northeast Ohio. But digging deeper, Solack could be overlooking some tough additions to the offensive line that General Manager Andrew Berry made. Solack questioned the big contract given to guard Zion Johnson from the Chargers. He pointed out Johnson's struggles in past protection, which had Los Angeles fans relieved to let him go. Still, Solack praised the signing of Elton Jenkins as a potential bargain from Green Bay. Jenkins brings all pro-level skills and flexibility, able to play guard or center, depending on whether veteran Joel Baitonio returns. Add in right tackle, tight as Howard, depth from Teven Jenkins, and linebacker Quincy Williams, and the roster gets a lot more physical up front. Fans might see the ranking as too low, especially with Berry focusing on the trenches instead of skimping during the Deshaun Watson contract years.

1:00This approach aims to build a gritty foundation. If these linemen protect the quarterback and create running lanes, that 21st spot could look way off by mid-October.