{"id":267206,"date":"2026-02-26T10:53:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:53:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=267206"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:53:08","slug":"cleveland-browns-offensive-line-and-the-2026-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2026\/02\/26\/cleveland-browns-offensive-line-and-the-2026-draft\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleveland Browns Offensive Line and the 2026 Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Browns are looking at a complete overhaul of the offensive line, so going into this draft with the mentality of solidifying a future strength up front for their new head coach and a young quarterback, whether Shedeur or a new selection in 2027, is paramount.<\/span><\/p>\n

To say that the offensive line was not a strength in the 2025 campaign would not be telling tales out of school. With four of five current starters standing in the hallway near the exit sign, the question of how to approach the potential exodus of all four in this draft should be at the forefront of thinking for Andrew Berry.<\/span><\/p>\n

For reference on how bad things got over the course of last year, Cleveland allowed enough pass rushers through to give up 51 sacks<\/a> on the season.\u00a0 PFF ranked the Browns’ offensive line 31st overall, based primarily on their inconsistency but with the obvious caveat of multiple injuries. It\u2019s not a cop-out for Cleveland to point to the seeming lack of cohesion by mentioning the trips to the medical tent. However, the injury total does not tell the entire story of the lines failures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns Offensive Line and the 2026 Draft<\/h2>\n

The Exodus<\/h3>\n

Wyatt Teller has already said his goodbyes<\/a>, while Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, and Cam Robinson are likely not returning, leaving the possibility for Joel Bitonio as the lone wolf to return to the pack. It\u2019s looking more and more like Cleveland may have to go into 2026 with Dawand Jones penciled in as a starter at left tackle. When healthy, Dawand has shown enough ability to remain a promising player, but the \u201cwhen healthy\u201d reference is a major problem with having any type of foundation built around Jones. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to see a path for the Browns to build a line quickly this offseason without a little bit of consistency, and that may very well depend on the availability of Dawand and the return of Joel. If Bitonio chooses to stay in Cleveland, it would provide a much-needed bit of stability for a franchise that needs to find more\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the high-end draft options that will present themselves throughout the first couple of rounds\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Top Offensive Line Prospects<\/b><\/h2>\n

The offensive line class in the 2026 draft is a deep one with its fair share of high-end talent:<\/span><\/p>\n

Tackle Prospects<\/b><\/h3>\n