Despite some major issues on their roster, the Cleveland Browns own a 7-3 record after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. They have found success on the back of a dominant defense, which is helping compensate for other shortcomings on the roster.
Addressing those needs will have to wait until the offseason, as the Browns will have to make due with what they have. Natural progress from rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be nice to see as he will likely be starting for Deshaun Watson the remainder of the season.
Protecting him in the pocket could be challenging at times. The Browns’ starting tackle duo of Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin are both sidelined with knee injuries. Rookie Dewand Jones has done an admirable job stepping into the lineup for Conklin at left tackle, but this is one area the team will look to address in the offseason.
Even if they are comfortable with Jones at one tackle spot, if they can find an upgrade for Wills, they wouldn’t pass up that opportunity. Cleveland did pick up his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, but his production during the season prior to his knee injury was underwhelming.
If an opportunity to improve in the trenches presents itself, the Browns should jump at it. One player they could target, in the opinion of Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, is Yosh Nijman of the Green Bay Packers.
“The 2024 season is going to be massive for left tackle Jedrick Wills. The former first-round pick was already on shaky ground this season before he went on injured reserve with a knee injury. Now, he’s going to have to prove that he can get back to full health and command a contract extension after the Browns accepted his fifth-year option.
Yosh Nijman, who has been a spot-starter for the Packers through the first four years of his career, would give them a high-quality backup if Wills gets hurt again or struggles,” wrote Ballentine.
Nijman is playing a reduced role with the Packers this season. Despite left tackle David Bakhtiari being sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, the team has turned to Rasheed Walker to fill the void in the lineup.
Despite some struggles, Walker has held onto that spot to this point. That could lead to Nijman exploring his options in free agency, seeking out an opportunity that would lead to more playing time.
The Browns could provide him that chance. At the very least, he could be their swing tackle and emergency policy in case Wills is unable to get the job done again. With experience playing right tackle as well, Nijman should be a hot commodity in free agency because of his versatility.
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