NFL Draft grades for Zak Zinter to Cleveland Browns: Polarizing feedback on selection
Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Zak Zinter went to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 85 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, coming off the board in the third round.
Coming off of a late-season injury, Zinter still found a way to get selected on night two of the draft as Michigan attempts to set the all-time mark for players selected in a single draft.
Here is a smattering of national reactions to the selection of the former Michigan captain.
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A-
A tone-setter at Michigan, Zinter was an All-American and two-time All-Big Ten guard. He missed the last three games of Michigan’s title run with a broken leg, but that didn’t detract from a stellar career. Zinter (6-6, 309) was considered the Wolverines’ best lineman last year and is a true mauler at the point of attack. The best part: He won’t have to start right away.
Mitchell Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: B
The 6-6, 309-pounder provides depth in case of more injuries along the front. Zinter suffered a broken leg in November but should be set to play his rookie season.
Jack Soblewski, Bleacher Report: C
Five months removed from the injury, Zinter recently posted on social media that he’s “ready for [his] day job.” The 6’6″, 309-pound blocker is an experienced and polished blocker with future starter written all over him, even if he’s a limited athlete overall.
The Cleveland Browns are preparing for the future. Wyatt Teller’s salary-cap hit escalates to nearly $22 million in 2025, which is the last year of his current deal. Joel Bitonio, meanwhile, turns 33 later this year. It’s been a great run for the two. Zinter likely will replace one of them long-term, though.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: B
The Browns reach just a bit for an injury-recovering interior blocker who gets the most power out of his strong frame. Zinter is a worthy developmental backup who can accelerate the process soon.
JP Acosta, SB Nation: C+
Zinter is a physical run blocker who is going to be coming off an injury. I guess the point here is insurance on the inside if Wyatt Teller gets injured. I probably would’ve gone Dom Puni here but this is fine.
Yahoo Sports: B
The Browns just picked an offensive lineman who has starter potential in the third round. Good move for Cleveland and another member off the All-Juice team is gone.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: C-
Majorly experienced, linear run-game specialist who’s best getting downhill where his lateral limitations aren’t exposed. Powerful but could sink his pad level more frequently in the NFL. Disallows him from sitting into his anchor in pass pro. Has to improve on pass plays but brings it for the run. Coming off late-season knee-ligament tear.
TheWolverine.com Editor’s Note: Zinter did not tear a ligament in his knee at Michigan. He suffered a broken leg.
