Parker Brailsford #52 of the Cleveland Browns
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Parker Brailsford #52 of the Cleveland Browns
In all the chatter about the improvements made to the Cleveland Browns‘ offensive line this offseason–rebuilding the group was, no doubt, the top task undertaken by GM Andrew Berry and Co. here in the spring–one spot that remains murky is the very middle of the line, where it remain unclear who will start at center. Elgton Jenkins was signed with the potential to be a center, but he is more comfortable at guard, and it appears the team would prefer to keep him there after he struggled in the middle with the Packers last season. More likely, the team will look to one of two other solutions at center, including fifth-round pick Parker Brailsford potentially winning the role.
As things stand, if it is not Jenkins at center, it will likely be Luke Wypler, the 2023 sixth-rounder who played in 17 games last year, and made five starts. Berry and others have noted that Wypler will have a chance to win the job.
But increasingly, Brailsford is being mentioned as a dark-horse candidate to start at center, despite the fact that he is relative undersize at 6-foot-2 and a svelte 289 pounds.
Parker Brailsford Has a ‘Legitimate Chance’ to Start for Browns
Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns beat reporter for Cleveland.com, wrote this weekend during the team’s minicamp that Brailsford would be given a chance as the starter at the position.
She wrote: “Browns fifth-round center Parker Brailsford has a legitimate chance to start at center this season if he demonstrates he’s ready. Brailsford, a three-year college starter including two years at Alabama, is a little undersized for the position (6-2, 290) but has the athleticism the Browns covet for the position.”
The Browns are already almost certain to open the season with a rookie at left tackle, No. 9 overall pick Spencer Fano. There could be two rookies, though, if Brailsford proves his worth.
Browns Like Mobile Centers
The key for Brailsford figures to be his mobility, which is something new Browns coach Todd Monken likes to see from his interior linemen. That could give him an advantage, and it’s a big part of the reason he has been compared to Tyler Lindebaum, the star center who was coached by Monken with the Ravens last season.
Brailsford said during minicamp that the two centers he watched most as he was developing his game were Northeast Ohio’s own Jason Kelce and former Dolphins center Aaron Brewer. Both were notably mobile.
“I take a lot of pride in (my movement) actually,” Brailsford said during minicamp. “Being able to get out and pull around and pick up a linebacker, move with those guys, that’s a big thing as an offensive lineman.”
Parker Brailsford Has ‘Notable Grit and Consistency’
Back before the Browns drafted Brailsford, the NFL.com scouting report noted his size issue, but credited his grit and mobility:
“Brailsford has shown notable grit and consistency. He can be out-leveraged and shoved around at the point of attack, but his mobility gives him a distinct advantage on the move. A lack of functional mass/length could lead to his pass protection being exposed by NFL power and rush talent. Brailsford’s tenacity and execution give him a chance, but he’s a one-position prospect with zone-scheme dependence.”