One player who could play on Saturday is CB Kahlef Hailassie, who spent his rookie season with the Browns last year, appearing in nine games and starting in the final game of the regular season against Cincinnati.
“I thought he put in some good snaps, especially late in the year when we used a lot of players toward the end of the Cincinnati game,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said Monday. “He’s made great progress despite missing all of training camp (last season), and it’s taking a while to catch up to his completely different style. But I like his attitude. I like his physical ability and I think he’s an exciting young player.”
Protecting the quarterback
When healthy, the Browns have one of the best offensive lines in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. Much like their secondary, the Browns’ offensive line has suffered injuries — particularly at tackle, as Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. both suffered season-ending injuries. Dawand Jones, who filled in for Conklin, also suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the season.
Playing depth will be important for the Browns offensive line, and the preseason will be a key tool in assessing who can step in effectively when needed.
The Packers finished last season with 45 sacks, only 16th in the league, but have promising second-year players in Lukas Van Ness and Brenton Cox who could improve the Packers’ pass rush in 2024.
T James Hudson III, who has performed strongly so far in camp, could be in action on Saturday and it will be worth watching how he works with the line to protect the quarterback.
While starting tackles Conklin and Wills recover from injuries, Hudson’s versatility could benefit the Browns if he plays at the start of the regular season.
“James has done a good job on both the right and left sides throughout his career,” Stefanski said. “I think he’s excited about every opportunity because these are great reps for him. He’s not the type of player that gets pushed to one side.”
The Browns spent a third-round pick on G Zak Zinter from Michigan. The unanimous first-team All-American in 2023 could be a valuable backup to starting guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio.
Offensive line coach Andy Dickerson said Zinter “worked hard” during training camp to learn the Browns’ offensive tactics and make the jump from college to the pros.
