The Cleveland Browns reportedly had settled on their starting offensive line. Spencer Fano, Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, Teven Jenkins and Tytus Howard were part of the first team in a joint practice against the Buffalo Bills last week, which looked like a signal that’s how the Browns would open the season in Week 1.
However, coming out of the preseason finale against the New England Patriots on Thursday, those plans may have changed. While four of the five positions remain set, there could be a move coming at right guard.
On Saturday, head coach Todd Monken hinted that the battle for that spot is not over yet, with rookie Austin Barber making a strong case and Teven Jenkins holding on to it, at least for now.
“Browns Todd Monken said he’s impressed with rookie Austin Barber being able to play both tackle and guard and didn’t fully close the door on Barber playing right guard over Teven Jenkins, but ‘leaning’ to Jenkins,” Fred Greetham posted.
#Browns Todd Monken said he’s impressed with rookie Austin Barber being able to play both tackle and guard and didn’t fully close the door on Barber playing right guard over Teven Jenkins, but ‘leaning’ To Jenkins.
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) August 29, 2026
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Barber was seen as a potential backup as a swing tackle behind Howard on the right side and fellow rookie Fano on the left side. But at 6-foot-7, 318 pounds, he has been able to use his versatility on the interior and may have taken advantage after Jenkins missed some practice time during training camp.
It was thought that returning tackle Dawand Jones could also make the switch to guard, with the Browns having secured their starting tackles via trade and in the draft. There was also a chance that Elgton Jenkins, who was signed as a free agent this offseason, could move to guard if rookie Parker Brailsford developed quickly enough to take over from him as the starting center.
KT Leveston was also in the mix before the Browns looked to have settled on Teven Jenkins, who played in all 17 games and started four in his first season with Cleveland after playing four with the Chicago Bears. All of those players will likely get time at different positions over the course of the campaign.
Having that much versatility is an advantage, but it also helps to have the same offensive line together as much as possible in order to build the necessary cohesion.
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