3. Browns sign Larry Warford
Over the offseason, the Browns have turned what was the offense’s biggest weakness in 2019 into a strength. Drafting Jedrick Wills and inking Jack Conklin to a big free-agent deal filled the two biggest holes on the line, but there’s still a glaring one at right guard. Guards play a big role in the outside zone runs that serve as the foundation of Kevin Stefanski’s offense, so Cleveland can’t afford to just overlook that spot.
Wyatt Teller is the presumed start right now, but Warford would be a massive upgrade. He’s also a good scheme fit. Warford isn’t the best athlete — he’s actually one of the slowest guards in the league based on 40 time — but that hasn’t stopped him from excelling at blocking outside zone plays, which typically requires some movement ability. In this cut-up you can see him climbing to the second level and blocking Luke Kuechly twice. That’s no easy task…
Warford grades well as a run blocker, too. He finished as Pro Football Focus’s 10th-best guard in 2019 overall. Teller finished 55th, by the way.
The Browns won’t have a problem fitting Warford into their budget. He is reportedly seeking around $7 million a year and they have the most cap space in the league with $39 million available.