Can Cleveland Browns really count on offensive line as a strength?

Can the Cleveland Browns really count on the offensive line as a strength heading into the 2017 season…plus nine other quick thoughts.

1. The Cleveland Browns kickoff training camp soon and the offensive line is getting talked up a lot heading into the new season. The position group boasts the Browns best player, Joe Thomas, and the unit was the recipient of mega millions in investments courtesy of Jimmy and Dee Haslam.

On paper it’s a strength, but many a paper gets burned at the Factory of Sadness, as the Dawg Pound knows.

Joel Bitonio is coming off Lis Franc surgery to his foot. He’s played 15 games in the last two years. When he’s in, Bitonio is very good, but staying on the field has a been a problem.

The same could be said of new free-agent center acquisition J.C. Tretter. The 26-year-old former Green Bay Packer doesn’t have a big track record to begin with. He started seven games last season before injuring his knee (MCL).

And then there’s the question of who plays right tackle? Cameron Erving anyone?

Other thoughts on the Browns…

2. DeShone Kizer starting the season? The idea gets less crazy by the day. He has to be out Cody Kessler for the starting gig, not an experienced Pro-Bowl veteran.

3. Andy Dalton started from Day 1. Why not Kizer?

4. Speaking of quarterbacks, what will it take for Brock Osweiler to get some mentions as the possible Week 1 starter? Joe Montana he isn’t, but at least the guy’s won some NFL games. It might take some preseason success to move up the ladder.

5. With that said, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see the Browns trade Osweiler, but to do that, they’ve got to showcase him. Some good preseason film may help the Browns dump his $16 million as teams becomes desperate to fill roster spots created by injuries.

6. Lots of positive talk about Isaiah Crowell‘s impact on the team leading up to Training Camp, but the Browns don’t need to worry about extending him.

More from Factory of Sadness

7. I’m worried about Joe Haden and wish the Browns couldn’t started grooming him for a spot at safety. Unfortunately, there’s no one else who can play safety. Haden’s only 28 and is one of the most beloved Browns of all time, but is he going to stop Antonio Brown and A.J. Green? I hope he proves me wrong.

8. Myles Garrett‘s video showing the No. 1 overall pick leg pressing a lot of weight and a trainer doesn’t impress me. What would impress me? Being able to stay on the field at a practice that doesn’t require pads.

9. One word to describe Jabrill Peppers‘ holdout: Annoying. It’s not like he’s even a top 10 pick. Plus, the Browns did take a chance on him after he provided a diluted sample at the NFL combine.

10. Corey Coleman appears to be ready to go, but like Garrett, I’m cautiously optimistic.

Next: ESPN says Browns will still stink 3 years from now

Coleman’s not a rookie anymore. He’s in year two and his biggest challenge will be staying on the field.

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