Ranking and grading every offensive linemen on the Cleveland Browns ahead of training camp

Positional Grade and Evaluation

As a whole, the offensive line still has three of the very best players the league has to offer, but the unit isn’t going to be as good. They may catch a break if Deshaun Watson is healthy, as he can extend plays, but if he’s not, the offensive line will be far from where they were in 2021 or 2020.

The offensive line, more so than any other unit on a team, even the defensive line, has to work in harmony. If there is just one weak spot on the line, the unit is compromised. For the last two years, Jedrick Wills had held them back by being mediocre at best and lost at worst. He hasn’t improved, in fact, he declined in 2021.

He’s still a starter on this team and in this league, but considering the level everyone else was at, having four players who were top three, or top four at their position when healthy, and then you have Wills? Yeah, that’s a steep drop-off. Now, Tretter’s gone. Ethan Pocic and Nick Harris will battle it out for the starting job and regardless of who wins, the offensive line still won’t be as good.

You can’t just simply replace Tretter, not with two guys who haven’t caught on yet as starters in the NFL. The two weak points will hold this team back to a degree. Maybe Harris can finally take that next step but it’s been two years, and he has yet to. It’s more likely he never does. Pocic is in the same situation but at least there’s a bit more optimism because he’s playing for a coach in Bill Callahan who knows how to unlock the potential in a player.

It’s possible Pocic becomes a Pro Bowler playing for Callahan, it’s also likely he’s one-and-done, and the team drafts a center in 2023 with their first pick, whenever that is.

Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, and Joel Bitonio have to stay healthy, and hopefully, not regress, or this offensive line can go from a great asset to a disaster waiting to happen.

Positional Grade: B+