In the NFL, unexpected circumstances often force players who weren’t expected to make an early impact to step up.
This is the situation for former Michigan Wolverines captain Zak Zinter. A third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2024 NFL Draft, Zinter now appears poised to start his first game.
Although he gained extensive experience as a guard during his time at Michigan, stepping into a starting NFL role is a significant challenge. Zinter was called into action during the Browns’ Week 3 loss to the New York Giants after right guard Wyatt Teller left with a knee injury.
Zinter played 34 snaps (51 percent) in the game, allowing just one pressure. Despite the Browns giving up eight sacks to the Giants, none were attributed to Zinter.
Zinter’s college career ended on a sour note with a tibia and fibula injury in the 2023 regular season finale against Ohio State. Nonetheless, he was a three-time All-Big Ten selection and appeared in 45 games for the Wolverines.
His first NFL start is expected to come in Week 4 when the Browns face the Las Vegas Raiders. With Cleveland dealing with multiple offensive line injuries beyond Teller, it will be interesting to see the lineup Zinter joins, likely with former Ohio State standout Dawand Jones on his right side.
