The buzzword for the Cleveland Browns on Monday was tackle.
The team made a highly-anticipated move a reality, re-signing unrestricted free agent left tackle Greg Robinson to a one-year contract.
But before the move was made official, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah was asked about first-round options for the Browns on a conference call.
“In terms of what could be there or what they could do, you can look at it defensively and look at some of the numbers and look at some of the holes and say, okay, they’ve got to go on the defensive side of the ball,” Jeremiah said. “But man, if — to me if (former Washington State tackle Andre) Dillard is there, who I think is the premier pass protecting left tackle, that would be hard to pass up at that point in time. So that would be one I would definitely have an eye on.”
Jeremiah went on to mention that Jawaan Taylor, the former Florida tackle, is also “very talented,” but believes he is better suited for the right side.
It is unclear if the Robinson signing would change Jeremiah’s mind, but by the looks of his big board, it is unlikely. Jeremiah is smitten with Dillard, ranking him tenth overall – his highest-ranked offensive lineman.
However, not all scouts are as keen on Dillard as Jeremiah.
The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs ranks Dillard as his No. 125 overall player, while ESPN’s Todd McShay does not have Dillard amongst his top-32 players on his most-recent big board.
It is doubtful that Robinson’s return would preclude the Browns from adding a premier left tackle early in the draft. However, with mixed opinions on some of the top options, the team may elect to address the position later in the draft, keeping Robinson in place as the likely starter.
The good news for the Browns is they will have plenty of time to evaluate many of the draft-eligible players – including the offensive tackles – at the scouting combine later this week.
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