With The First Pick
Fansided

Cameron Erving to show the Cleveland Browns his worth

By Carl Cockerham

Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marlon Moore (15) celebrates with offensive tackle Cameron Erving (74) and running back Duke Johnson (29) after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marlon Moore (15) celebrates with offensive tackle Cameron Erving (74) and running back Duke Johnson (29) after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Cleveland Browns fans should not be so worried about the losses on their offensive line this offseason. The loss of center Alex Mack is one that they especially shouldn’t be overly concerned about. Mack was so great for so long but he didn’t play at the a high level in 2015, falling from the ranks of elite centers.

While the Mack looks to have hit the downside of his career anyway, the Browns planned ahead for his absence. The Browns picked Cameron Erving in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Remember, Ervin played very well at center in a pro style offense in his last year at Florida State.

He wasn’t that highly rated as a tackle, his previous position, but the move to center gave him first-round value. Erving didn’t exactly shine as a rookie, playing guard and tackle, instead of his best position. But with the departure of Mack, Erving now gets to focus on the position that made him a first-round pick in 2015 and wants to prove he’s worth it.

Browns guard Joel Bitonio gave him a vote of confidence, telling the team’s official site this week, “I think that is one thing is that he is a competitive kid and he wants to come in here and prove that he was a first-round draft pick for a reason. I think he set his mind this offseason to come and make those changes and really try and fight and prove himself this year.”

Erving will join free agent QB signee Robert Griffin III, CB Justin Gilbert and nose tackle Danny Shelton on the Browns All-Prove-it team. It’s fitting the Hue Jackson, a talented coach whose time was cut short in Oakland before he could prove anything, is their coach. Then of course, Josh Gordon has to prove he can stay clean as he is likely to be reinstated soon.

I like all of their chances but I especially like Erving’s.

And that will help make a quick rebuild!

Home/Cleveland Browns