With uncertainty surrounding the Browns' starting left tackle position, these former Cleveland stars explain why they have confidence in Jones moving forward.
The Cleveland Browns still have a few questions left to answer with one month to go before the 2026 NFL Draft. The most important question still unresolved involves their offensive line. While the front office has worked to upgrade the front five with several free-agent additions, there remains one spot up front that still needs to be addressed.
Their left tackle situation remains unresolved, and protecting the quarterback’s blind side should be one of their top priorities if they want sustained success on offense. Tackle Dawand Jones has spent time as the Browns’ left tackle, but an injury hampered his play and ultimately cost him his starting role.in April’s NFL Draft. But recent comments from two Browns legends have sparked questions about whether a former starter could return to the left tackle spot in 2026.Former Browns cornerback Hanford Dixon had high praise for Jones. “I have a lot of respect for him—how can you not?” Dixon said. “I think the talent is there, I really do. … I think he can take over and be a starter on the offensive line.” Phil Taylor, a former Browns defensive tackle, backed up Dixon’s strong words about Jones. “I feel like will get those guys right—it’s up to them,” Taylor said. “Dawand's hitting his rehab well, and I feel like he’ll still have that starting spot.”“When I was here, Warhop was here, and we had one of the best offensive lines in the league.” Each comment from these two Browns legends bolsters Jones’ case to be Cleveland’s Week One starter. The question remains whether he can return to the pre-injury form fans saw before his play declined.Jones had an up-and-down career with the Browns in his first three seasons, earning the starting job in 2023 as a rookie. His performance over nine starts earned him PFWA All-Rookie honors and helped lead the Browns to the playoffs.Jones slid into the starting left tackle role for Wills with no problem, putting together solid starts and showing promise despite his limited experience on that side of the line. Heading into 2025, Jones was their Day 1 starter, but a season-ending LCL tear sidelined him and sparked questions for this upcoming season.. Whether Cleveland selects a tackle at No. 6 or No. 24 overall, Jones will have plenty of ground to make up in training camp to win the job. Jones stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 370-plus pounds—more than ideal for an offensive lineman tasked with blocking some of the league’s best pass rushers. If he can improve his agility while meshing with his new offensive line teammates, there’s no reason Jones can’t be their starting left tackle in 2026.Flag Football Doesn’t Need the NFL’s Help—At Least Not on the Field Cleveland Browns Full Depth Chart Projection After Free Agency: Starters, Position Battles, Roster Bubble
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