When Dawand Jones replaced right tackle Jack Conklin in the lineup last season, a lot of people were taken aback.
The rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns focused on his conditioning after an underwhelming start to the offseason meetings, but it was his seemingly effortless handling of pass rushers that had pundits and fans praising.
Few opposition pass rushers could get any closer to Jones, who stood at 6-foot-8 and 374 pounds, when he got between a defender and his quarterback.
Jones was recently interviewed by Akron Beacon-Journal’s Nate Ulrich at the Cleveland Auto Show.
The youngster talked about his knee injury recuperation in between signing autographs with Browns teammate David Njoku (via Nate Ulrich on Twitter).
In mid-December, Jones underwent surgery to repair his meniscus cartilage and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
The 2023 fourth-round selection for Cleveland described himself as “day-to-day” and claimed he was approaching his potential.
The athlete anticipates taking part in this year’s offseason training even if he is still not fully recovered.
Jones, Conklin, and Jed Wills should be ready for the 2024 regular season, according to earlier statements made by Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
During a recent public appearance, the youngest offensive lineman for Cleveland showed encouraging signs of recovery.
Jones, an avid NBA fan, was present for this past Tuesday’s thrilling Cleveland Cavaliers triumph over the Dallas Mavericks.
Jones was seen on camera ecstatic after Max Strus made a long buzzer-beater to give the Cavs the victory.
Jones also expressed to Ulrich his happiness for Bill Callahan, the previous offensive line coach of the Browns, and his excitement for Andy Dickerson, the new offensive line coach of Cleveland, to help him further his profession.