While much of the offseason buzz has centered around Deshaun Watson’s comeback efforts and the Myles Garrett-led defense, a quieter yet potentially franchise-altering narrative is beginning to take hold inside the Cleveland Browns’ facility. And it centers on a name few expected to emerge this quickly—second-year offensive lineman Dawand Jones.
Yes, the 6-foot-8, 375-pound mountain of a man, drafted in the fourth round just last year, is turning heads not just with his size but with the speed and skill of his development. Multiple coaches, including Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and Offensive Line Coach Bill Callahan, have privately and now publicly praised Jones as a potential “franchise cornerstone.”
A source within the Browns’ organization said Jones “has completely transformed his conditioning, his footwork is night-and-day better, and he’s showing leadership qualities we didn’t fully anticipate this early.” In a league where protecting the quarterback is arguably more valuable than ever, the Browns may have struck gold at right tackle with a mid-round pick that other teams passed on due to weight and durability concerns.
Jones’ emergence is timely, especially given the uncertainty surrounding veteran linemen and the inevitable attrition that comes with NFL trench warfare. Reports from OTAs and minicamp show Jones routinely stonewalling top-tier pass rushers, including moments where he held his own against Pro Bowlers during joint practices. His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s got that thing you can’t coach—raw strength—but what’s impressed us most is how seriously he’s taking the technical side of the game,” said Stefanski. “He’s watching film like a vet, taking notes, leading drills. He’s locked in.”
The Browns front office had quietly started reshuffling contract priorities heading into 2025, and according to sources, Jones is now firmly in the conversation as a foundational player to build around. Not only does he have the physical makeup to dominate for a decade, but his work ethic and sudden maturity are raising eyebrows league-wide.
Fans who once viewed Jones as a developmental depth piece are beginning to see him in a new light—as the Browns’ answer to the franchise lineman void left by past departures. And in a conference loaded with elite pass rushers, having an anchor on the right side is no small luxury.
For a team desperate to turn their potential into results, Jones might be the missing puzzle piece no one saw coming. He’s not flashy. He doesn’t draw headlines the way skill players do. But he may just be the cornerstone Cleveland needs to finally build something lasting.