The Cleveland Browns’ OTA drills on May 28, 2026, revealed a quarterback competition heating up—but the real story lies in the offensive line’s transformation and the undrafted rookies fighting for jobs in a team reshaped by Andrew Berry’s aggressive rebuild.
The Browns’ offense took center stage during Day 5 of OTAs, where Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders combined for five touchdown passes in 11-on-11 drills, including deep strikes to Jerry Jeudy and Jamari Thrash. Meanwhile, the team’s new offensive line—led by free-agent acquisition Zion Johnson—showed early promise, while the defense’s depth chart remains wide open for undrafted rookies like Logan Fano and Khordae Sydnor. With the Browns’ 2025 season ranked 31st in offensive line play, general manager Berry’s offseason overhaul is now on full display.
A Quarterback Competition That Isn’t the Main Event
The Browns’ quarterback battle between Watson and Sanders has dominated headlines, but as Dawg Pound Daily points out, this isn’t the real story. Head coach Todd Monken has made it clear he won’t decide based on OTA snippets—he needs full-pad, full-contact reps with Myles Garrett blitzing. The QB competition is a sideshow compared to the offensive line’s rebuild and the undrafted rookies fighting for roles on a defense that lost Devin Bush and DeShone Kizer in free agency.
During 11-on-11 drills, Watson connected with Jeudy for a deep touchdown in the end zone, while Sanders found Gage Larvadain in the middle of the field. The defense responded with three interceptions, including one by rookie LB Justin Jefferson on a bounce pass intended for Davon Booth. But the real action wasn’t just about the QBs—it was about who emerges as the Browns’ new offensive line anchors and which undrafted rookies stick around for the 53-man roster.
Zion Johnson: The Key to the Offensive Line’s Future
The Browns’ offensive line was a disaster in 2025, ranking 31st in the NFL—a far cry from the No. 3 unit that started the season in 2023. But general manager Andrew Berry didn’t just tinker; he wiped the slate clean. Dawgs By Nature reports Berry signed Johnson, a first-round pick in 2022, to a one-year deal worth $3.05 million, along with Elgton Jenkins and drafted OT Spencer Fano. The move was deliberate: Johnson, a versatile guard/tackle, can play left guard or left tackle, giving the Browns flexibility in case of injuries.
Johnson’s durability is a major selling point. He started all 17 games as a rookie at right guard and earned All-Rookie honors. In his second season, the Chargers moved him to left guard—a position he played extensively in college. His arrival means the Browns no longer have to rely on aging veterans like Joel Bitonio (who still has a welcome mat) or patchwork solutions like Cam Robinson at left tackle.
But Johnson isn’t the only new piece. Berry also drafted Austin Barber and Parker Brailsford, while signing Tyre Phillips and Jack Conley to reserve/futures contracts. The message is clear: Berry is betting on youth and mobility. If Johnson and the new draft class gel, the Browns could finally have an offensive line that doesn’t collapse under pressure.
The Undrafted Rookies: Who Sticks?
The Browns’ defense is stacked on paper—Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Carson Schwesinger are all locked in—but the real drama is on the fringes. Dawg Pound Daily highlights how the absence of veterans like Garrett and Alex Wright in OTAs has created opportunities for undrafted rookies like Logan Fano and Khordae Sydnor, who are being labeled “priority free agents” by Browns insider Zac Jackson.
“With 10 drafted players beginning their careers and more than 15 players from the 2025 rookie class who saw action in some capacity, it’s way too early to know which of this year’s undrafted rookies might make a real push at creating a role.”
The Browns’ pass-rushing group is already crowded, but with a new coaching staff and a need for depth, any undrafted rookie with speed and athleticism has a shot. Jackson notes that the Browns’ defense is elite at the core, but the fringes—linebacker, defensive end, and even cornerback—are where the real battles will be fought. If Fano or Sydnor impress, they could be in line for roster spots by the preseason.
What Comes Next: The 53-Man Roster Battle
The Browns’ OTAs are just the beginning. The real test comes in June, when the team narrows its roster from 90 players to 53. The offensive line’s success will hinge on how quickly Johnson, Jenkins, and the new draft class integrate. If the unit improves, Watson and Sanders will have a real chance to thrive. But if the line struggles, the QBs could be blamed for problems they didn’t create.
Meanwhile, the defense’s depth chart remains fluid. With Bush gone and Kizer unsigned, the Browns need to decide whether to keep veterans like Quincy Williams or bet on young talent like Schwesinger. The undrafted rookies will have their chance to prove themselves in the coming weeks—and if they do, they could be the difference between a playoff push and another disappointing season.
The Browns’ offense is finally getting some good news. But the real story isn’t just about touchdowns—it’s about who sticks, who gets cut, and whether Andrew Berry’s gamble on youth pays off.
