While there is always an argument, especially in Ohio, about whether a team can win passing the ball a ton, versus being run first, no one disagrees that a good team is built on the lines. The Cleveland Browns had an elite defensive line last year until DT Maliek Collins went down with an injury, then it was just a very, very good one led by DE Myles Garrett.
The offensive line? That was a far different story.
At the NFL combine, Browns GM Andrew Berry mentioned how the Chicago Bears rebuilt their
offensive line in one offseason with a combination of moves. Shortly after that, Berry did the same for his line by adding:
- RT Tytus Howard in a trade
- LG Zion Johnson in free agency
- RG/C Elgton Jenkins in free agency
- RG Teven Jenkins re-signed
- OT Spencer Fano drafted in the 1st round
- OT Austin Barber drafted in the 3rd round
- C Parker Brailsford drafted in the 5th round
Under new HC Todd Monken, Cleveland’s offensive line will also have a new coach, George Warhop.
That is a lot of changes in one offseason, and according to Browns fans, Fano and Warhop are the big keys to whether Cleveland’s line goes from bad last year to something much better this year. As of Wednesday morning in our DBN Feed poll, 54% of Browns fans said Fano would have the biggest impact in 2026, while 34% voted for Warhop:
(Poll closes on Thursday if you want to go vote)
Given their roles and the resource used to acquire Fano, those two options make the most sense for giving fans hope, but all face a lot of pressure. Fano, as a rookie, and Warhop, trying to assimilate a whole new crew together on the offensive line, will face a lot of scrutiny, and the process will likely have its bumps along the way. As the top-rated and drafted tackle, Fano has the upside to make the necessary impact, and Warhop’s history as an offensive line coach is top-notch.
Do you think Fano and Warhop can lead a quick resurgence of the Browns offensive line into a Top 10 unit this year?
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