The first order of business for Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry this offseason was to start restocking an aging and depleted offensive line. With Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins all joining the fold, the team's new-look o-line is taking shape. 

Given the versatility of all three additions, the group could take on several different iterations. Of course, whether or not 12-year veteran Joel Bitonio decides to retire could also impact who is starting where. 

For the sake of this exercise, we're gonna assume he won't be back. Here's a first try at projecting the Browns 2026 starting o-line. 

This one feels fairly obvious because, well, Howard told everyone himself that in his conversations with the team after coming over via a trade with the Houston Texans, that he will be playing right tackle.

Rightfully so. Howard was easily the best o-lineman on the Texans unit last year and has carved out a solid career for himself as the right bookend. From here, though, things get very interesting. 

Johnson is an interesting addition because he spent the last three years of his career in LA as a left guard, which was his natural position coming out of college. That said, his rookie season, he did play here, so he's seen both. 

The Browns have at least three viable options who can play either guard spot – including Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and even Teven Jenkins, who was re-signed.  With Bitonio out of the equation in this situation, finding the best five is key here and I think there's simply a better option for left guard. 

Probably the most stunning projection of the group. There seems to be an assumption that Elgton Jenkins will handle the center duties, with or without Bitonio returning, but here's the thing, Jenkins makes a better guard than he does a center. 

With that in mind, I think Cleveland could lean into Wypler as a potential starter. He's working his way back from a knee injury, but Berry said at The NFL Combine he's progressing smoothly. 

This could also become another void filled by a rookie. Someone like Sam Hecht of Kansas State comes to mind as a player who could be available on Day 2 for the Browns to snag. 

Finally, Jenkins gets a home. This ultimately comes down to the fact that Jenkins proved earlier on in his tenure that he is an excellent guard. In fact, he made two Pro Bowls as a left guard with the Green Bay Packers in 2020 and 2022. 

Again, with Bitonio gone, it's a good idea to replace him with the guy who has had the most success at the position during his career. Jenkins can play center if the Browns really need him to, but he's just better in this spot. 

Aside from Howard spilling the beans on his role, this is the next most obvious answer of the five. Cleveland invested heavily in filling out the interior o-line spots, but noticeably neglected the left tackle spot. Unless they plan on trying out Dawand Jones in that role again, that feels calculated.

The Browns own two first-round picks, including the sixth selection overall, and there are a handful of tackles at the top of the board that they will be in position to draft next month. It feels inevitable that they'll use one of their two picks to land their left tackle of the future. 

Spencer Fano, Francis Mauignoa and Monroe Freeling are considered the best options early in the first round. Kadyn Proctor, Blake Miller and Caleb Lomu will likely be available later on Day 1. One of those names feels destined to be Cleveland's Week 1 starter.

As mentioned before, Teven Jenkins is certainly in the mix for a starting job, but he proved last year he's very capable of playing either guard spot out of a reserve role. I'm envisioning something similar for him in 2026. 

Meanwhile, 2023 fourth-round pick Dawand Jones projects as the Browns swing tackle, having played both sides. He's entering an important year in the final year of his contract, looking to stay healthy for once. 

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