Each year during the NFL draft, multiple players from Ohio State are chosen, although some tend to be picked later than their talent may suggest. This was true for former Ohio State offensive tackle Dawand Jones, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones has already shown he can be an effective starting pass protector, exceeding expectations given his draft position.
Sadly, Jones’ 2024 NFL season has been cut short due to an injury. In Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints, he suffered a fractured left ankle after being rolled up on by teammate Wyatt Teller. This comes at a challenging time, as Jones had recently transitioned from right tackle to left tackle and had started to perform well in that role. He is now expected to miss the final seven games of the regular season.
“I thought he was doing some decent things over there as we discussed his transition to that side,” said head coach Kevin Stefanski after the game. “I’m disappointed for any player who faces a season-ending injury. He knew right away, so I feel bad for him.”
Jones participated in all 10 games for the Browns this season, making eight starts. Last season, he started nine of the 11 games he played before a knee injury ended his campaign prematurely.
When he entered the league from Ohio State, concerns about his weight likely caused him to be drafted lower than expected. Nonetheless, Jones has demonstrated that he can be a starter in the NFL when healthy. Availability is crucial in this league.
Now, the former Buckeye will need to focus on his rehabilitation and preparing for offseason workouts, aiming to be ready for the start of the 2025 season, which the Browns are optimistically anticipating.
