Last season, the Cleveland Browns maintained six offensive linemen on the roster: OT Mitchell Schwartz (second year), OG Shawn Lauvao (last year of contract), OT/OG Oniel Cousins (top rated backup), C Alex Mack (no renegotiation), OG/OT John Greco (last minute addition for a backup, long term contract), and OT Joe Thomas (new contract). Norte Dame Center Braxton Cave was cut in camp and Garrett Gilkey was added (4 year rookie contract), everyone else was padding for the depth chart.
Unlike this year, in 2013 Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi had very few draft picks. Unlike the STeelers in free agency (Levi Brown, Arizona) and Ravens (Eugine Monroe, Jacksonville) no offensive linemen where acquired. The Browns seemed to want to show some solidarity and continuity with their starters despite Shawn Lauvano coming under some critique. The only vacancy on the O-line of note comes from the left guard position as Jason Pinkston, who started most of 2011 as LOG was not 100%, Oniel Cousins looking to be a prime back-up for multiple spots, and John Greco not being signed as of yet. Now Greco doesn’t seem to be the sure starter so the spot is still vacant but the Browns have left the position open to create a competitive atmosphere between the hopefuls.
The Browns portray a glaring need for the offensive line thus far but they have also been very passive about they personnel decisions. This will prove interesting as i have put together a list of quality free agents for the Browns this off-season:
C Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots
ROT Brian De La Puente, New Orleans Saints
C Andre Gurode, Oakland Raiders
LOT Chad Rinehart, San Diego Chargers
ROT Ted Larsen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
OG Rob Turner, Tennessee Titans
OG J.D. Walton, Washington Redskins
OG Shawn Lauvao, Cleveland Browns
C Brian Waters, Dallas Cowboys
OG Leroy Harris, Detroit Lions
ROT Marshall Newhouse, Green Bay Packers
OG Mike McGlynn, Indianapolis Colts
ROT Seth Olsen, Minnesota Vikings
LOT Charlie Johnson, Minnesota Vikings
ROT Eric Winston, Arizona Cardinals
C Travelle Wharton, Buffalo Bills
OG Roberto Garza, Chicago Bears
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