Cleveland Browns: 5 offseason needs in 2019

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 02: Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks up to the line scrimmage behind offensive linemen Cleveland Browns Kevin Zeitler (70), JC Tretter (64), Joel Bitonio (75), and Greg Robinson (78) during the football game between the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans on December 2, 2018 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Find tackles to protect Baker Mayfield

Protecting Mayfield and creating running lanes for Chubb and Johnson weren’t issues for the Browns in 2018. Underneath all the Mayfield hype and excitement about the potential of the team, there was one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.

Pro Football Focus rated the Browns unit as the second-best in the league following Week 17. The interior of the line bullied pass rushers and kept clean pockets all season.

Left guard Joel Bitonio was named to Pro Bowl and right guard Kevin Zeitler was one of the highest rated players at his position. Center, J.C. Tretter, was one of the league’s top centers and was the anchor inside.

It was a very different story when it came to the tackle positions. The team cycled through Desmond Harrison, Greg Robinson (impending free agent) and Chris Hubbard. This offseason the Browns need to find a true starter at either position to solidify their line.

We have seen how important a quality offensive line is, specifically the tackles. With their current cap space, the Browns should look to sign a free agent like Trent Brown, Daryl Williams or Ja’Wuan James. Signing one of these proven tackles, who are also still young, would be a better route than drafting one.

Six out of the top 10 offensive lines ranked by Pro Football Focus made the playoffs in 2018. Having a great offensive line opens up a ton on that side of the ball, and building the line is a must with a young quarterback in a defensive, physical division.

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