The Browns and Andrew Berry continue to invest in the trenches selecting former Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones. Some considered Jones a borderline first-round pick talent-wise before he slid to the fourth round for the Browns to take. Jones is an absolute mountain of a man at 6-foot-8 and 360 pounds who is as strong as an ox.
There is the question about why he fell so far but his talent is hard to argue against. The team now has security at right tackle with Conklin’s injury history and Jones has played left tackle too so he also could be the long-term answer if the team moves on from Jedrick Wills.
The production:
In pass production last season at right tackle Jones was as good as it gets allowing zero sacks and only five hurries according to PFF. He is so strong and you won’t see him driven back much against power rushers when protecting the quarterback.
His biggest impact is as a mauler in the run game with his ridiculous size and strength to push defenders out of the way to create rushing lanes. PFF gave Jones an 85-run blocking grade and a 90.8 as a zone blocker which the Browns like to run. If he can keep his weight under control and play with a better pad level he will be a steal in the fourth round.
Production Grade: A
The fit
The Browns have a lot invested in the offensive line but have an often injured right tackle and a long-term answer. They don’t have a ton of depth at offensive tackle either and Jones is instantly a really quality player on the bench. He has played at left tackle as well so the team could very easily use him as the backup to both positions.
There are some concerns with his size but with Bill Callahan on the staff, he can get the best out of him. He fits an immediate need as well as the potential to be a long-term answer at right tackle.
Fit Grade: A
The Grade:
Whenever you can get a first-round talent on day three of the draft you should be very happy with the selection. You can’t teach the size and nasty temperament and Jones has that in spades. The strength profile is elite and if you can get him to be consistent with his pad level at his side.
The team continues to invest in the trenches and show you that they value that especially on the offensive side. It’s a great pick for the spot and should be a long-term answer for the team.
The Grade: A
