Browns roster is solidified by the OLine while the rest of the division has questions
After focusing on the offensive skill groups, we now shift our focus to the trenches with the offensive line. When it comes to the AFC North, the main thing that is brought up is the physicality played within the division. Where does that physicality come from?
The offensive line.
Running the ball. Establishing a tone. You get the idea. As quality goes, it’s solid within the division.
Let’s discuss:
#1. Cleveland Browns
Starters: LT Jed Wills, LG Joel Bitonio, C Ethan Pocic, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Jack Conklin
Backups/Depth: Tackles: Dawand Jones, James Hudson, Hakeem Adeniji, Lorenzo Thompson, Roy Mbaeteka. Guards/Center: Germain Ifedi, Zak Zinter (R), Javion Cohen (UDFA), Michael Dunn, Luke Wypler, Brian Allen
Why is Cleveland #1?: It’s not a hot take to say that Cleveland has had the best offensive line room in the AFC North for the past few seasons.
Joel Bitonio & Wyatt Teller are arguably one of the best interior offensive line duos in the league, Ethan Pocic has had some form of a career resurgence after spending most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the criticisms, Jed Wills is a solid starter at left tackle and as far as the right tackle spot goes Dawand Jones is likely to be a starter next season after a strong rookie season. Conklin is still on the roster for now but he could be a potential depth piece/trade/cut candidate due to the emergence of Jones.
As far as depth goes, Cleveland has it. Whether it’s at guard, tackle, or center this room is deep. Depth & talent, Cleveland has the best offensive line room in the division.
Starters: LT Orlando Brown, LG Cordell Volson, C Ted Karras, RG Alex Cappa, RT Trent Brown
Backups/Depth: Tackles: Jackson Carman, Amarius Mims (R), Devin Cochran, D’Ante Smith, Eric Miller (UDFA). Guards/Centers: Cody Ford, Trey Hill, Jaxson Kirkland, Matt Lee (UDFA)
Why is Cincinnati #2?: If you look at Cincinnati’s offensive line this year, like every other year it appears to be revamped. When you look at their two tackles on both the left and right side, the one thing that stands out is their size. Orlando Brown Jr and Trent Brown are massive human beings. That’s not an understatement.
Cordell Volson and Alex Cappa occupy the guard spots, but all eyes will be on Volson considering how he played last season (poorly). Ted Karras has been a mainstay at the center position.
Rookie Amarius Mims will be someone to watch. One of the Bengals issues in recent years is depth concerns, mainly at the tackle spot. If something were to happen to Brown Jr or Brown, Mims can step in instantly.
As far as guards/centers go for Cincinnati, the group is fine but there are some concerns.
Cincinnati’s offensive line group is improved but there are some concerns of depth.
Starters: LT Ronnie Stanley, LG Andrew Vorhees, C Tyler Linderbaum, RG Ben Cleveland, RT Roger Rosengarten (R)
Backups/Depth: Tackles: Patrick Mekari, Daniel Faalele, Corey Bullock (UDFA), Julian Pearl (UDFA), Darrell Simpson (UDFA), Tashawn Manning (UDFA) Guards/Centers: Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Nick Samac (R), Tykeem Doss, Josh Jones, Darrien Dalcourt (UDFA)
Why is Baltimore #3?: Baltimore’s starting offensive line will look a lot different this year. Ronnie Stanley returns as the starter at left tackle, while rookie Roger Rosengarten replaces Morgan Moses.
The interior offensive lineman will occupy two new starters. Andrew Vorhees, who missed all of last season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered at the NFL combine will slide in at the left guard spot and Ben Cleveland will slide in at right guard.
New starters at essentially three spots along the offensive line this season for Baltimore. Baltimore hasn’t had any issues developing offensive line talent in the past, so there should be no concern in that department.
Depth is a concern at certain spots with Baltimore’s offensive line is unproven at this moment but could be really improved by the end of the season.
Starters: LT Broderick Jones, LG Isaac Seumalo, C Zach Frazier, RG James Daniels, RT Troy Fautanu (R)
Backups/Depth: Tackles: Dan Moore Jr, Devery Hamilton, Dylan Cook, Tyler Beach. Guards/Centers: Mason McCormick (R), Nate Herbig, Spencer Anderson, Joey Fisher, Ryan McColllum, Anderson Hardy
Why is Pittsburgh #4?: People will look at this the wrong way, but they shouldn’t. Pittsburgh’s offensive line is revamped, however this group isn’t necessarily bad. It’s more unproven.
Broderick Jones is now the starter at left tackle. Rookie Troy Fautanu will occupy at right tackle. Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels occupy the guard positions and they are the only two starters returning from last season.
Rookie Zach Frazier is likely going to start at center.
It will take time for this group to gel considering the players they had to replace but there is some talent there.
As far as depth goes, it’s shaky at best. Rookie Mason McCormick might be the best reliable depth piece and it shouldn’t be a hot take at all, even though he is a rookie. As talent goes, the starting offensive line has it but it’s unproven. It might take some time for this room to gel and grow, which should be expected.
How would you rank the offensive lines in the AFC North?
Jump down to the comment section to share some of your thoughts on the matter or the division as a whole