If the Browns added Francis Mauigoa as their new offensive line anchor, they would have to move Tytus Howard to left tackle or guard. Mauigoa would be a stalwart at right tackle.
You must have an active subscription to read this story.
Click Here to subscribe Now!
Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
One of the overlooked revelations at NFL owners meeting last week came in this exchange I had with Browns GM Andrew Berry.
Me: “So far you've only had one offensive lineman make a Top 30 visit to Berea, reportedly, Markel Bell of Miami …”
Berry: “So I'd say this, I would not ... Can't believe everything you read.”
Me: “So you have had more?”
Berry: “Yeah, we've had ... we've actually done a lot, so…”
Visits by wide receivers – seven, total – were widely reported. Visits by offensive linemen were kept under radar.
So … we’re back on the scent of Berry taking an offensive tackle with his first pick at No. 6, and using No. 24, and perhaps even No. 39, on a wide receiver.
In the interview at the annual meeting Berry also emphasized that the versatility of his veteran additions gives line coach George Warhop the flexibility to adjust to the final offensive line roster.
When Berry said they’d have five starters if they had to line up today, I asked who would play left tackle.
“I'd say between Dawand [Jones] … Tytus [Howard] has obviously played there before and was a college left tackle as well … we have KT [Leveston], so we do have options there.”
In other words, maybe we should not rule Berry choosing the best offensive lineman in the draft – even if he is not considered a left tackle.
Mock draft 6.0
1. Las Vegas: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Comment: Acquisition of Kirk Cousins will not change this selection.
2. N. Y. Jets: OLB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Comment: Fifth time in six mocks. Time to etch it in magic marker.
3. Arizona: DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Comment: This selection will directly affect the Browns at No. 6.
4. Tennessee: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Comment: Cam Ward gives his Love.
5. N. Y. Giants: OLB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Comment: After spirited debate over a Buckeye teammate.
6. Cleveland: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Comment: Tough and nasty culture-changer, right tackle or not.
7. Washington: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Comment: His stock’s on the rise.
8. New Orleans: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Comment: Best player on the board.
9. Kansas City: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Comment: Lost both starting CBs through trade and free agency.
10. Cincinnati: DE Rueben Bain, Miami
Comment: Bengals have to replace Trey Hendrickson.
11. Miami: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
12. Dallas: DE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
13. L.A. Rams (via Atlanta): WR Makai Lemon, USC
14: Baltimore: OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Comment: Ravens choose versatility over top-rated guard.
15: Tampa Bay: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
16: N.Y. Jets (via Indianapolis): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
17. Detroit: OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
18. Minnesota: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
19. Carolina: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
20. Dallas (via Green Bay): DE T.J. Parker, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Comment: Native Clevelander dons black and gold.
22. L.A. Chargers: OG Vega Ioane, Penn State
23. Philadelphia: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
24. Cleveland (via Jacksonville): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Comment: Browns first WR in first round since Corey Coleman (yikes).
25. Chicago: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
26. Buffalo: DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
27. San Francisco: DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
28. Houston: OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
29. Kansas City (via L.A. Rams): WR Omar Cooper, Indiana
30. Denver: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
31. New England: DE Zion Young, Missouri
32. Seattle: CB Aveion Terrell, Clemson