In the 3rd round of the 2024 NFL Draft the Cleveland Browns drafted Michigan Guard Zak Zinter. The 23-year-old rookie had his final season at Michigan cut short due to a broken leg suffered in the Ohio State game in November of 2023. Zinter was considered a good value pick in the 3rd round. Because it was speculated that he could have been a late 1st or early second round pick. With His injury there was a lack of pro day workouts and NFL scouting combine workouts. The Browns front office went on his medical information, in person interviews, and game films to evaluate Zinter. Another question to ask is how he can impact the 2024 roster.

I believe Zak Zinter was a developmental pick for the Cleveland Browns interior offensive line. The Cleveland Browns and their fans need to face the reality that guard Joel Bitonio is in his 11th year with the team. Bitonio is expected to retire in the next two years. Zinter is the draft pick for the future of the Cleveland Browns. What will that future hold for the Browns?

A good indicator of the future is the past, at Michigan Zak Zinter was an accomplished interior offensive lineman. He earned a unanimous all-American honor in 2023. In 2022 and 2023 he was first team all-Big Ten conference. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 309 lbs. And he can still grow both physically and mentally into a starting NFL guard. Because of the current Cleveland Browns roster being as good as it is. Zak Zinter is not under any pressure to start and to play at high level right now or at any time in 2024. However, injuries could change that. Zak Zinter is a preview of the future for the offensive line with the Cleveland Browns. And for Cleveland Browns, their fans, and Zak Zinter the future looks bright.