The Cleveland Browns found themselves grappling with offensive line challenges last season, a hurdle that proved too steep to overcome. A significant factor was the lack of preparation and contingency planning for their injury-prone tackles, a situation that falls squarely on the shoulders of general manager Andrew Berry.
Dawand Jones, unfortunately, faced his third consecutive season-ending injury, while Jack Conklin's inability to stay healthy throughout a full season was a known issue. This predicament forced the Browns to trade for Cam Robinson and KT Leveston, two tackles who struggled to provide the necessary protection for their quarterbacks.
Yet, the most glaring problem might have been the lack of discipline on the line.
Penalty Problems Plague the Browns
Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis highlighted a troubling statistic: the Browns' starting tackles were among the top five in penalties last season. Cam Robinson was tied for second with 13 penalties, while KT Leveston was close behind with 11.
With Robinson heading into free agency, his return seems unlikely. Leveston, however, remains under contract through 2027. Despite being a potential starter for 2026, his discipline issues make him a risky choice at this point.
Leveston's contributions were more suited to the running game, where he earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.7, ranking him 39th out of 89 eligible tackles. However, his pass protection left much to be desired, with a grade of 43.3 placing him near the bottom of the league.
A New Era with George Warhop
As the Browns welcome new offensive line coach George Warhop, there's hope for revitalization. Once a formidable unit under Bill Callahan, the line has struggled since his departure. Warhop faces the challenge of rebuilding this crucial component of the team.
The Browns have multiple avenues to explore for strengthening their offensive line, including free agency, the NFL Draft, and trades. With two first-round picks, it's likely they'll target at least one tackle, though selecting two linemen isn't out of the question.
Leveston had ample opportunity to prove himself, appearing in 16 games with seven starts and playing 65 percent of the snaps. However, unless injuries force their hand, his future on the field looks uncertain. The Browns need to address these issues head-on if they hope to protect their quarterbacks and return to offensive line dominance.