Dawand Jones shares his thoughts on starting a career at LT

The Cleveland Browns offense continues to weather a storm of injuries as it prepares to face the Ravens on Sunday.

Their struggles are clear in the numbers – at 1-6, the Browns were forced to use six different offensive line combinations through the first seven games of the 2024 season.

The latest shock comes as offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. is sidelined with a knee injury after starting the last three games.

Coach Kevin Stefanski has identified Dawand Jones as a possible replacement, which would make him the team’s third left tackle this season.

Jones seems ready to take on the challenge. Speaking to reporters in the locker room on Friday, he shared his preparation process with The Chronicle’s Scott Petrak.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “Had a good preparation against Myles (Garrett) all week. He gave me great looks, I can say that for sure. But the most important thing was getting better in practice, learning the reps and just watching other people on film.”

#Browns Dawand Jones on preparing for his first NFL start at left tackle. pic.twitter.com/j92TI7Sl53

— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 25, 2024

The rookie has studied the techniques of established NFL tackles who have made similar transitions.

“We saw some good left tackles like (Tristan) Wirfs, I saw (Jordan) Mailata. In the past, people would just change and leave, and so I just tried to incorporate that into my game,” Jones explained.

Although this opportunity comes from Wills’ injury, it marks a significant moment for the Browns’ 2023 fourth-round draft pick.

Jones has already demonstrated his prowess at right tackle, filling in for All-Pro Jack Conklin for the first five games as he recovered from knee surgery before developing hamstring problems.

After undergoing his own MCL surgery in December, similar to Wills, Jones now has a chance to showcase his versatility at left tackle.

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