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Browns: Will Cameron Erving Make An Impact In Year One?

By Joe Russo

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The Cleveland Browns already have three of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. Could their first round pick soon be the fourth?

No one can dispute that the Browns offense grounded to a halt after Alex Mack went down with an injury in week five of last season. After watching a series of well below average level replacements cycle through for the Browns, it became apparent that some insurance was needed behind the All-Pro beyond his current contract situation.

Related: Cleveland Browns: Will Alex Mack Leave In 2016?

Enter Cameron Erving, the 19th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft for the Browns. Erving has played all over the trenches in his career with the Florida State Seminoles, including defensive tackle, left tackle, and center. He successfully was an all-conference performer at both tackle and center, which is no small achievement, and was the starting left tackle during Florida State’s recent title run.

First round picks are expected to contribute immediately. They are expected to be difference makers. Is Erving capable of that in year one? For a guy who really does not have a true position on the line, this is a question that will hover over First Energy Stadium all season.

Most fans expect to see Erving compete for the starting right guard spot or even right tackle, the two spots that are not completely locked down by elite starters. The problem is that Erving may not be a fit for either. 

Erving’s best position as a pro will be center given his lack of bulk and issues he had in his career with speedy edge rushers. More importantly, Erving was in fact dominant as a center after sliding inside due to injuries and ineffectiveness in 2014.

Yes, the Browns need a backup plan in case Mack goes down or leaves after this season. But is that type of insurance worth the 19th overall pick in 2015? I have my doubts.

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 I was never a fan of the pick, but have accepted it as a shrewd and “safe” move for Ray Farmer to make. I have an issue with taking a lineman who’s most referenced skill leading up to the draft is his versatility. This isn’t basketball where fluctuating line ups and the flow of a game require that kind of attribute. This is football and Erving will need to earn a few more characteristics than versatility to make a first round impact.

What makes this pick hurt more is the lost opportunity to improve the roster in areas that has a greater, more immediate need. No, there was not a receiver worth taking at 19, but with needs in the defensive backfield (remember Jim Leonhard started games last season) and in the middle of the worst run defense in the NFL, there may have been better options.

Could a top corner or safety, like Landon Collins, Damarious Randall, or Byron Jones have helped out the secondary? Perhaps a stud linebacker like Bud Dupree, Shane Ray, or Benardrick McKinney may have been the better route to go?

Alas, 2015 can still be a good year for Erving. John Greco and Mitchell Schwartz have been far from perfect and there could be another major injury up front. Maybe Erving’s presence simply elevates this current group even further, but it’s too early to tell for sure. For now, Erving has a long way to go to validate his draft position.

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