CLEVELAND, Ohio — The successful run game of Kevin Stefanski’s early tenure with the Browns seems to be headed back to Cleveland. Unfortunately, the backbone of what made those powerful run schemes is not the same as a few years back.
Gone is legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan and his years of experience and expertise. Interior anchors Ethan Pocic, Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller are older and were not as dominant last season.
Right tackle Jack Conklin has been solid, but has struggled with injury and will be 31 in August. Massive swing tackle Dawand Jones was outstanding as a rookie, but injuries and poor conditioning caused him to regress in year two. Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. remains a free agent.
The power run scheme changed to a more finesse, wide-open style for quarterback Deshaun Watson. But more than just the scheme, the physical, run-the-football-down-your-throat identity was gone last season.
If the Browns are returning to that style, there are offensive line draft targets to consider.
Let’s take a look at two NFL Draft prospects that are potential day one starters, and one guy with elite physical traits and could be a steal on the final day of the draft:
**Kelvin Banks, Texas, left tackle**
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**6-foot-5**
**315 pounds**
A former five-star recruit, Banks is arguably the best tackle in the draft, and the film confirms that. The Lombardi and Outland Trophy winner from this past season, Banks is very experienced with 42 starts in his Longhorn career.
The Texas star is explosive out of his stance, with elite lateral quickness and explosion. His ability to create vertical displacement on a double team and release onto the linebacker on the second level is excellent. Banks is outstanding at using individual hands, allowing for a great punch in his pass protection.
**Areas of concern**
For me, the film is much more important for evaluating talent than the measurables that are gathered at the NFL Combine. However, for some, the Combine numbers are vital for players being able to compete at the NFL level. Though solid, Banks did not overwhelm teams with his measurements, which will cause concerns for some NFL brass.
**Fit for the Browns**
With the injury concerns of both Conklin and Jones, the Browns need to solidify the left tackle spot to have any success, regardless of what scheme is implemented.
Banks’ athleticism, toughness, fundamentals, technique, and intelligence make him a day one starter at left tackle and the future anchor of the offensive line.
**Grey Zabel**, **North Dakota State, center/guard/tackle**
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**6-foot-6**
**312 pounds**
Zabel had an outstanding career at North Dakota State, but began to climb draft boards with his success against the big boys at the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, Zabel is ridiculously explosive in a small area with a 36.5-inch vertical leap and 112-inch broad jump. The high school three-sport-standout went to college at 240 pounds and grew to 300-plus without losing any movement skills or athleticism.
On film, Zabel is the definition of “controlled violence,” with a skill set and position flexibility NFL offensive line coaches covet. In the run game, he is a mauler with great pad level who wins with great leverage. In the pass game, he uses great technique, intelligence, quick feet, and a great punch to protect his quarterback.
**Areas of concern**
Though Zabel can play all three positions on the offensive line, his short arms (32 inches) and minimal wing span (77 5/8 inches) may force him inside to the guard or center positions.
Arm length and wingspan are critical factors for offensive tackles, especially when going up against NFL defensive ends. A defensive end with long arms can establish leverage early in the battle, keeping the offensive tackle at a distance and making it more difficult to engage effectively in the block. This will often cause the tackle to lunge, over-extend, and lose balance.
**Fit for the Browns**
With the NFL roster at 53 men, the more versatile and position friendly a player can be, the more valuable he is for that organization. Zabel can play all three positions on the offensive line, which would allow the Browns to keep more players at other positions.
Bitonio, Teller, and Pocic are players who thrive in a run-based offense that allows them to use their physicality. If the Browns are committed to getting back to this nasty identity that made them successful, Zabel’s playing style is a perfect match.
**Jalen Travis, Iowa State, swing tackle**
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**6-foot-8**
**339 pounds**
In the NFL, players who are drafted on day three often possess physical traits and measurements that cannot be ignored by NFL scouts and general managers. These players often have not reached to their full potential for whatever reason, but their elite measurements make them attractive to NFL brass.
Travis, who started at Princeton and finished at Iowa State, falls into this category. The massive lineman has a wingspan of 83 4/8 inches, a 5.14 40-yard dash, a ridiculous 35-inch vertical and 112-inch broad jump. The high ceiling for Travis makes him an attractive development tackle prospect with low risk of a day three selection.
**Area of Concern**
At 6-8, Travis can struggle with high pad level, which negates his ability to anchor in against a powerful bullrush. The former Cyclone, though fast straight ahead, will need to improve his lateral quickness and explosion. The lack of lateral movement will be an issue with kick-stepping back in pass protection.
**Fit for the Browns**
The signing of veteran tackle Cornelius Lucas and the return of Jones, both 6-foot-8, would allow Travis to learn the finer details of playing tackle while being so tall. With Jones, Conklin and Lucas, Travis will not be forced to play and can develop at his own pace.
**What we learned**
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The Browns’ offensive line had a tough year in 2024 but it was not all its fault. The return to Stefanski’s scheme will allow those guys to be physical and do what they do best.
That being said, everyone is a year older and Andrew Berry will need to start reloading the offensive front with elite first round talent and late-round developmental guys with great physical traits and high ceilings.
_Lance Reisland is the former coach at Garfield Heights High School, where he spent 18 seasons as an assistant for his father, Chuck, and four as head coach, from 2014 to 2018. In 2018, his team finished 11-1 and appeared in the OHSAA Division II regional semifinals. That team went 10-0 and made history as the first Garfield Heights team in 41 years to have an undefeated regular season along with beating Warren G. Harding for the first playoff win in school history._
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