The Cleveland Browns' $94.5 million investment in their offensive line may already be a mistake. Analyst Matt Fontana claims the new additions have created a significant problem. He argues the Browns now have a tackle who can't run block and a guard who can't pass block.

"Do you know Tytus Howard is the third-highest paid RT in football now? It's like Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson, then Tytus Howard. He's top eight for tackles in general, something like that. If you put Zion Johnson on the right side, what a dichotomy. You've got an RT who can't run block and an RG that can't pass block. Good luck, Todd."

This combination of blocking weaknesses could create serious problems for the offense.

However, Tytus Howard has been decent in the RT position. Of his 1021 snaps last season, 555 were at RT, and he had 0 sacks allowed. Here, Johnson could be the wildcard. Of his 1071 snaps last season, only one came on the right. While playing on the left, he allowed 3 sacks and 7 hits.

Getting this new offensive line in sync will be a major challenge for Todd Monken.

Zion Johnson Could Potentially Replace Joel Bitonio

Veteran right guard Joel Bitonio has still not confirmed if he will return to the Browns this coming season. This presents an opportunity for Zion Johnson to take up the starting spot if Bitonio chooses to retire.

Speaking about the veteran, Johnson said, “Joel Bitonio, he played at an extremely high level for a lot of years. It’s an honor to be able to play that position after somebody like that. It’ll be my job to hold that standard.”

Joel Bitonio was signed by the Browns in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. He has proven his durability by starting over 160 games. He is also a seven-time Pro Bowler.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar