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3 not-so-obvious concerns that the Cleveland Browns could deal with in 2023

By Chad Porto

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands off to running back Nick Chubb (24) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals led 13-3 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 14
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands off to running back Nick Chubb (24) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals led 13-3 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 14 /
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Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) and tackle Jack Conklin (78) celebrate after Nick Chubb scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Cleveland.Browns27jl 8
Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) and tackle Jack Conklin (78) celebrate after Nick Chubb scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Cleveland.Browns27jl 8 /

A declining offensive line

The Cleveland Browns’ offensive line has been among the best in the league for several years. The key reason is Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who has a remarkable ability to get the most out of the guys he has. Two key examples of this include Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic. Teller went from a hanger-on in Buffalo to an All-Pro caliber guard in Cleveland. Pocic, to his credit, had his best year as a pro in Cleveland’s offense. This after struggling in Seattle for several years.

The issue about the line is that they’re one bad break away from everything unraveling. Future Hall of Famer Joel Bitonio will be 32 this season. After a decade in the league, he’s bound to start regressing eventually. Teller, his guard-mate, is not a great pass-blocker usually and is often among the Browns’ most penalized offensive linemen. Pocic has just one year of quality to his name, and the Browns are banking on him to stick around for the foreseeable future. He may be a one-year wonder.

Then you have Jack Conklin and his recent string of injuries, which may have sapped some of his abilities, and could potentially become a long-term issue for him. Then there’s Jedrick Wills, a young tackle, who’s been healthy his whole career, but also the biggest question mark each and every season he’s played with the Browns.

Coupled with a lack of depth and an injury or two could sink the whole line.

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