What Options Do Browns Have for Offensive Tackles?
As we just received the bad news that Cleveland Browns starting right tackle Jack Conklin has been lost for the season due to a torn ACL and MCL, we take a look today at potential options the Browns have to reinforce the position. Dawand Jones played well in relief of Conklin, especially in protecting against the pass rush and will be the starter moving forward.
Conklin will now go on season ending injured reserve, that leaves James Hudson as the only backup tackle on the 53-man roster. I doubt the team would be comfortable enough with just signing newcomer Alex Leatherwood from the practice squad.
This means that General Manager Andrew Berry will need to look outside the building for answers. He probably began this process last night and it's possible he is still exploring depth charts and practice squads across the league as I'm writing this.
Berry traded away the depth piece we did have at the position after the final preseason game when he traded offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr. to the Patriots for Pierre Strong Jr. After looking at depth charts across the NFL, unfortunately there aren't many options for a possible trade. The answer will likely come from a player currently on another team's practice squad or a current free agent.
These are the players at the position that I feel could make sense as our fourth tackle:
Free Agents
Dennis Kelly
Kelly would be a veteran you could bring in and count on to play solid snaps.
Yodny Cajuste
Cajuste was a former 3rd round pick by the Patriots and would be someone who has a higher ceiling if Callahan could unlock his ability.
Christian DiLauro
DiLauro has played in the league and bounced around a bit. He was originally signed by the Browns as an UDFA in 2018.
Practice Squads
Connor Galvin- Detroit
Galvin is a prospect that I find intriguing. He has decent size and moves fairly well. He played well during the preseason as the highest rated lineman by PFF for the Lions. He also won the Big-12 Offensive Lineman of the Year at Baylor.
Alex Taylor- Dallas
Taylor is someone who the Browns are very familiar with as he was here on and off for a few seasons. At 6'8", he has tremendous athleticism due to his background playing basketball.
Tyre Phillips- Philadelphia
Phillips has above average size and started games for the Giants last season. In my opinion he would be a solid add and could benefit from playing under Callahan.
I could see any of these players as an option, it just depends if Berry would prefer stability or upside. To me Galvin could offer both and would be the best option.
