By most metrics, the Cleveland Browns had the worst offensive line in the NFL in the 2025 season. Browns QB’s were sacked 51 times, while their pass and run blocking efficiency was among the worst in the league. Clevelands line finished the season with a rating of 49.9, the worst in the NFL.
So, clearly, offensive line is a position that needs a massive overhaul. Luckily for the Browns, they have two first round draft selections this season.
NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah weighed in on how he sees Cleveland improving its O-line this offseason.
“I mean, they don’t have an offensive line, so, you’ve got to find guys around there,” Jeremiah said. “We’ll see what they can accomplish in free agency, but they’ve got to have a heavy investment there.”
Jeremiah went on to say that the NFL Draft will be the best place to go if they want to upgrade their line: Cleveland has picks No. 6 and No. 24 in the first round.
“There’s two offensive tackles that are in that range in [Francis Mauigoa] and [Spencer Fano],” Jeremiah continued. “There’s also opportunities for them if they wanted to wait and get one at No. 24; I’d propose the idea of doing both, just getting your two tackles there and not really relying on Dawand Jones to stay healthy going forward.”
Browns Projected to Take Offensive Linemen In Draft
The two offensive tackles Jeremiah listed were Francis Mauigoa out of the University of Miami and Spencer Fano out of the University of Utah. Both were among the best at their position in the collegiate ranks in 2025, and are listed at No. 11 and No. 18 on Pro Football Focus’ big board, respectively.
NFL.com has scouting reports for both players. Here’s what they wrote about Mauigoa:
“Mauigoa has a guard’s broad build, but he moves like a tackle in pass sets. He’s highly experienced with an impressive football IQ that pops on tape. He has good contact balance and a strong core. He delivers firm first contact but excessive leaning diminishes not only his leverage and sustain as a run blocker but also his ability to deal with spin counters when protecting.”
And here’s the report on Fano:
“Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing.”
Cleveland’s Offensive Line to Undergo Changes
Tackle is certainly an area of need for the Browns, as they’ll lose depth in the coming years as Jeremiah Byers, Tyre Phillips, and Dawand Jones will all be free agents within the next two seasons.
These are also not premium tackles, so losing them specifically isn’t so much the problem; rather it’s losing that depth at an under appreciated position.
Whether Cleveland uses one or both of their first round picks on the O-line, there will be a new formation up from in 2026, because they simply cannot roll out the same product as last year and expect better results.
Browns Urged to Fix Glaring Roster Flaw With Bold 1st-Round Strategy