The Cleveland Browns picked up one of the biggest selections of the 2023 NFL Draft in its fourth round Friday. In terms of literal size, anyway.
With the 111th pick the Browns selected former Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones, listed on last year’s Ohio State roster at 6-8, 359 pounds. While viewed as a developmental player by many NFL scouts, Cleveland’s staff believes he can make an impact for the team.
“We’ve seen him for a couple of years,” Cleveland Browns director of player personnel Dan Saganey said Saturday. “He’s had a very good career at Ohio State. Massive human being, I think you guys will really enjoy him when you get to stand next to him and talk to him and see what he’s all about.”
Jones was the second Ohio State offensive tackle taken in the draft after former teammate Paris Johnson Jr. went sixth overall on Thursday, joining the Arizona Cardinals.
Fifteen picks after they selected Jones the Browns drafted another lineman in former Missouri defensive end Isaiah McGuire, who measured in at 6-4, 268 at the NFL Combine in March. Former Ohio State center Luke Wypler (6-3, 303) also went to the Browns in the sixth round.
“We certainly got a lot bigger this afternoon,” Saganey said.
Back to Jones, the Browns were impressed most by the athleticism and agility he displayed in his collegiate career alongside his size. Despite weighing in at 374 pounds at the combine he posted a 40-yard dash time of 5.35, and his basketball background helps with much of the lateral movement involved in pass blocking. 36 3/8 inch arms give him a reach advantage too.
“For a guy his size, he’s so nimble and agile,” Saganey said. “If you watch his high school basketball highlights, you’ll probably see how he moves. There’s a lot of good highlights of him out there pulling, doing the things that we ask our guys to do.”
The Browns are eager to get to work with their huge new get at the offensive line’s bookend position. Jones will look to provide protection for quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“(He’s) a player that we’re very excited about,” Saganey said. “It’s a premium position, offensive tackle, and we’re excited to get him in the building.”
