What we know: This group likely has the best guard package in the NFL. Bitonio and Teller each had Pro Bowl seasons in 2021 — Bitonio was voted to his fourth-straight, while Teller was selected for the first time in his career — and have thrived in the wide-zone blocking scheme since Kevin Stefanski became head coach two years ago. Conklin, a 2020 First Team All-Pro player, will be a huge boost to the group after injuries limited him to seven games last season. Wills is entering his third season at left tackle, which was a new position for him when he was drafted 10th overall in 2020 after he played right tackle in Alabama, and will be expected to take a big leap. The only competition for starts in this group will be at center, although Harris is the early frontrunner.
What we don’t know: Is Harris a lock to start? It wouldn’t be surprising after he took all first-team snaps in the offseason program, but he’ll still have to win the job in training camp over Pocic, a sixth-year veteran signed in free agency from Seattle. The Browns believe Harris is well-groomed to start after he took a heavy amount of practice snaps behind longtime center JC Tretter the last two seasons. He’s only started two games, but he performed well in his lone start last season against Green Bay when he allowed no sacks and earned a 70.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. He’ll certainly benefit, too, by playing in between two Pro Bowl guards.
The X-Factor: Harris, or whoever wins the starting center job. The Browns have consistent talent at every other position on the offensive line and have been able to build a top-five run game in the league the last two seasons because of it. If Harris can step in and immediately perform at a high level, there should be no drop-off.
The biggest number: 0. The Browns didn’t finish a game last season with all their primary starters healthy. Injuries to Wills and Conklin made it hard for the group to be at full strength, which was a reason why the Browns…
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