Grading the Cleveland Browns 2023 NFL Draft picks
By Chad Porto
Pick #111 – OT Dawand Jones
The Cleveland Browns needed help with the offensive line, but it’s hard to say Dawand Jones, a slow and immobile tackle was the right way to go. Sure, at Ohio State the 6’8, 375 lbs offensive tackle looked impressive. Some would even say he looked like a modern-day Orlando Pace, but the problem with that comparison is that Pace was laterally very quick, while Jones isn’t
PFF gave him great marks over the last two seasons, 86.5 in 2021 and 82.1 in 2022, but when he played against Michigan State, Michigan, and Georgia, Jones struggled. That’s because each team had faster ends that he had to worry about. Still, PFF gave him a 90.8 in zone block, and an 85.0 against the run, so it’s not like he’s a bad investment.
He’s going to have issues against the pass rush, just like Jedrick Wills who also lacks later. Unlike Wills, however, Jones could be a massive player in the run game. Which is ironic, as numerous reports think the Browns will run far less in 2023 than they’ve done in any year that Kevin Stefanski has been head coach.
Player Comparision: Trent Brown
Grade: C+
Thoughts: He and Brown are the same size, but Brown lacks the strength that Jones may have. So Brown is a better pass blocker and Jones may be a better run blocker. If Jones becomes a good run-blocker, then he may be exactly what the Browns need long-term, especially after the Deshaun Watson era comes to an end when the team may need to run the ball more.