With just three offensive tackles, the Cleveland Browns faced the Houston Texans in the 2023 playoffs. Is that typical? Or should we be concerned about this? Leroy Watson, a former member of the practice squad, would have been introduced had only starters Geron Christian or James Hudson sustained an injury. What happens next? Any injury would have caused a lot of problems.
Naturally, at this period of the season, a significant portion of the offensive line—including Jack Conklin, Drew Forbes, Dawand Jones, Dawson Deaton, and Jed Wills—were serving their time on injured reserve. Michael Dunn, Ethan Pocic, and Joel Bitonio have all sustained injuries along the way. All of which implies that attrition affects every team in the league, every season.
Is Hudson the ideal person to fill a reserve position? Will Christian or Watson remain with the franchise? In 2024, will Wills and Conklin be able to recover from their injuries? If so, what kind of person will they be?
The Browns don’t need a starter to enter the game since Conklin, Wills, and Jones should take care of business. In order to minimize the loss of protection in the event that any one of these three gets hurt, which has happened, Cleveland needs a quality backup who can play both sides. It is not necessary to hire an expensive player; instead, consider what Chris Hubbard provided for a number of years.
Currently, Conklin will make $15 million this year, Wills $4.926 million, Jones $1.158 million, Hudson $1.068 million, and Watson $832,500. Christian is a free agent.
Age: 29
Free agency ranking: 61
NFL draft: 2017 Round 5, pick #159 (Ravens)
Career Pro Bowls: none, 2017 NFL All-Rookie Team
40 time: 5.22
2023 season: 14 starts, 905 offensive snaps
Eluemunor had been a career swing tackle but was thrust into service this past season after an injury to the starter. Which is exactly what Cleveland is looking for.
Blessed with a girthy build, he has functional lateral quickness with active feet. His hand strength allows him to punch and lock into opponents.
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