Losing your starting tackle at the beginning of the season is usually a disaster for the vast majority of NFL teams, but it appears to have been a blessing in disguise for the Cleveland Browns and their rookie fourth-round pick, Dawand Jones.
Anchoring the right side of the league’s best offensive line, Jones has been as consistently dominant as they come for a rookie and his performance is up there with the best tackles across the league. Jones was tested last week in a major upset win over the San Francisco 49ers, where he had to block the likes of Nick Bosa and the other talented members of an elite defensive line.
.@Browns @dawandj79 had himself a great afternoon in Cleveland going toe to big toe with the DPOY. Big Test for Big Thanos. #DawgPound #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/NuSVD7Hsdg
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 16, 2023
In the biggest game of his life so far Jones was able to give up zero sacks and just one total pressure on 41 pass blocking snaps. Jones held his own and served it back in the running game as well, helping the Cleveland runners churn up over 150 yards on the ground.
If Dawand Jones can keep up his incredible pace and dominate against elite pass rushers, the sky is truly the limit for the big man out of Ohio State. Not bad for a fourth round draft pick