Cleveland Browns 2027 Week One Roster Prediction - Center

The Draft

This chart shows the ages of the draft class at the time of the draft. Greens signifies the age of 66% of the prospects they have drafted in this range, yellow 33% and red is an age they have never taken in this range. So while it is unlikely they select a red player, it isn't impossible.

OBR VIP's can see my full November draft board with each position on it here.

Conclusion

They added Elgton Jenkins in free agency who had position flexibility between guard and center. He ended up slotting in at center and has been a really reliable player so far this season. Where as other players have fluctuated ore, he has been very steady from week to week. As with everyone on the line the pass blocking has been significantly better than the run blocking, but that feels like more of a scheme issue and limitations in the pass game impacting the run game.

I would expect him to return next season as the starting center. They could certainly move on from him if they wanted to. The $3m of guarantees would pass to a new team if he signs somewhere else. I don't see them moving to a free agent option to replace him as his production has been good. It would potentially be caused if he is injured again and Wypler has a nice run of games.

Wypler looked very good in his one game this season. He was benefited slightly by everyone else struggling with a short week and Derrick Harmon going out injured at the start of the game for the Steelers. If the coaching staff think he can repeat this then they will probably give him a run towards the end of the season if we fall out of playoff contention to get him to prove it in a larger sample. He has underwhelmed in previous years so I am skeptical he is a long term answer but he is five years younger than Jenkins, so if it is similar production then move onto the younger and likely cheaper player.

They will have an idea what Brailsford is based on his performances in practice. Being stuck behind Jenkins and Wypler isn't a significant judgement for me. He is a fifth round pick, so in all likelihood he is a career backup who never gets a starting job. If they decide to extend Wypler even as the backup, don't be shocked if Brailsford does camp and doesn't stick on the 2027 roster. It is about finding the best possible team. Having extra cash and picks means the ceiling for a player sticking around is higher.

Final 53

Elgton Jenkins
Parker Brailsford