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Wyatt Teller says he 'could learn something from' Browns' rookie Zak Zinter
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- Wyatt Teller says he 'could learn something from' Browns' rookie Zak Zinter
BEREA — The Cleveland Browns spent their third-round pick this year on a player who they don't have to necessarily worry about immediate playing time.
For former Michigan offensive guard Zak Zinter , being that draft pick also means he doesn't have to stress about having to come into the NFL already able to swim in the deep end of the pool.
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That's because the Browns already have not one, but two of the league's top offensive guards in Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller . That means Zinter has two of the best individuals from whom he can learn as he makes the climb to the NFL.
"Yeah, I mean, I'm pumped to have two guys like that, that have done it and are doing it at a high level," Zinter said at his introductory news conference in late April. "I mean, just I'm pumped to come in, be in that room and just learn from them, just see how they go about their everyday lives, how they prepare, how they attack practice, all that kind of stuff, and just mimic and attach on them at the hip and just try to grow."
Zinter was drafted on April 28. A month later, as the Browns prepare for their second week of voluntary OTAs, he's had a chance to sit back and watch Teller work both in the meeting rooms and on the field, while he's at least had a chance to watch Bitonio in the meeting room even if the veteran doesn't actively participate in the on-field activities.
Meanwhile, the veterans have had a chance to get to know the newest member of the offensive line group. And, in some ways, have him teach them some new tricks as well.
Browns offensive lineman Drew Forbes, left, and Wyatt Teller work on blocking techniques before practice Aug. 2, 2021, in Berea.
"Zak, being a young guy, learns from the older guys, but also taking what I could learn something from him," Teller said after last Wednesday OTA session. "Now, usually I'll learn something, like, 'Hey, hey, why do you put your hands like that or that?' And he'll be, like, 'Well, sometimes my hip gets open and I'll go like that.' I'm, like, 'Oh, that's a great idea,' you know what I mean? There's always stuff you can learn from each other."
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There's also the benefit of having some young blood to help the older guards prepare for the season. Both Bitonio and Teller have, for the most part, answered the bell when it's come time to play in regular season or postseason.
However, Teller's going to be 30 this season, and Bitonio's going to be 33. Teller missed two games in 2022 with a calf injury, and Bitonio missed a game last season recovering from a bye-week knee scope and had to leave another one due to back issues.
Teller said Zinter, along with returnee Michael Dunn and others, are just what the Browns' two veteran guards need.
"I mean, if Joel — he's been an unbelievable player for so long without getting injured," Teller said. "Then last year was a little bit of a bumpy year. I mean, same thing the past four years, there've been two or three years that I haven't been playing at the best. It's amazing how injuries work.
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"But, no, it is just one of those things that we have the ability to have guys step up, and Michael Dunn's an unbelievable player. He's been able to do it, and now Zak."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Wyatt Teller looking to teach, learn from Browns rookie Zak Zinter
