Position preview: Offensive line
Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
07.20.2007
Overview: If all goes according to plan, the Browns should have their best offensive line of the team's new era so far come the '07 season.
The club invested heavily in the unit's future during the offseason when, on March 3, it announced the re-signing of center Hank Fraley and the free agent acquisition of former Bengals lineman Eric Steinbach. The offseason facelift of the line was completed when the team selected Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas third overall at the 2007 NFL Draft.
If Thomas comes along quickly enough, he could be in the lineup at left tackle for Week One next to Steinbach, who will likely have Fraley to his right.
The team also took time during the offseason to sign free agent veteran guard Seth McKinney, re-sign Lennie Friedman and Nat Dorsey, and ink Kelly Butler to a contract extension.
Then, already poised to enter the season with one of the team's strongest groups in years, the Browns offensive line was thrown for a loop two weeks ago with LeCharles Bentley's announcement that he plans on being in Berea for the start of the club's training camp on July 27.
The Pro Bowl center's possible participation in the '07 season could shake up and also significantly improve an already capable unit.
Projected starter(s): As mentioned above, the Browns could begin the season with Thomas at left tackle and Steinbach at left guard. If not, it'll be Steinbach next to a very capable Kevin Shaffer at left tackle.
The center position will largely depend on Bentley's status come the regular season. If he's able to play, either he or Fraley would likely be moved to right guard, where McKinney is currently holding down the role.
At right tackle, Ryan Tucker is back, healthy, and ready to reassume his starting job. Head Coach Romeo Crennel has also mentioned he'd like to try Shaffer at the spot. Shaffer is currently serving as the team's No. 1 left tackle while Thomas learns the role from the two-slot.
In the mix: Depth should be at an all-time high for the club.
On the inside, the Browns should rely on Friedman as a veteran backup at center and guard, as well as McKinney at guard if Bentley's able to return. The group also has young talent in the form of Isaac Sowells, Rob Smith, and Fred Matua -- each of whom are in their second year with the team.
Converted defensive lineman Andrew Hoffman and '06 practice squad member Pete Lougheed also will fight for roster spots and backup duties.
At tackle, the club isn't as deep but still promising. Butler and Dorsey each have shown potential during their time with the club, while the team was impressed by 6-foot-8 undrafted free agent Cliff Louis of Morgan State during rookie minicamp. They liked the tryout candidate enough to sign him to a contract and bring him to training camp.
Meanwhile, if the club holds onto Shaffer, either he or Tucker would be an extremely capable option as a backup. And, as Browns fans have learned in recent years, a team can never have too many linemen.
Key storyline: Take your pick: Either a No. 3 overall pick's adjustment to one of the most important roles on a team, or the potential return of a two-time Pro Bowl center and Cleveland native to the team after nearly seeing his career come to an end. Should be an exciting year in the trenches.
