As the NFL Draft gets closer with each passing day, the discussion around the Cleveland Browns drafting a new left tackle in the first round has led everyone to believe that it is a formality. Whether the Browns decide to address LT at No. 6 or No. 24 is still to be determined, but it would be rather shocking to see Day 1 end without a new blind-side protector in Cleveland.
The unfortunate side of that potential inevitability is the fact that the Browns already have a promising young left tackle on the roster in Dawand Jones. The problem is that he hasn’t proven he can stay healthy and has missed the majority of the last two years with knee and leg injuries.
There hasn’t been much discussion around him this offseason with fans getting excited about the idea of a high-profile rookie coming in, but a video surfaced Wednesday of him looking to be in good shape. ESPN Cleveland’s Justin Cooper shared a video of Jones playing basketball, and he showed off some impressive agility while crashing the offensive boards.
“Browns Dawand Jones spending some time in the offseason hooping. Looks to be moving well,” Cooper posted on X.
#Browns Dawand Jones spending some time in the offseason hooping. Looks to be moving well. pic.twitter.com/OtwH2L6leq
— Coop (Justin Cooper) (@JJCoop25) April 2, 2026
It’s probably not the first thing Browns fans want to see him doing in the offseason due to his injuries, but for a guy who has struggled with his weight, this is a great way to stay in shape over the summer and to improve his cardio. As long as he isn’t out there throwing down tomahawk dunks in traffic or diving for loose balls, a little basketball should do the body good.
Even if a rookie comes in as the projected starter, which Joe Thomas believes is the right move as well, it’s not a huge indictment on Jones’ talent. He’ll still have an opportunity to fight for his job, and given all the injuries this team has dealt with, it never hurts to have some depth in the trenches.
Jones looked good in his basketball game, but we’ll wait until we see him back on the gridiron to see how he truly looks in his recovery.
NEXT:
Former Browns Defender Has Announced His Retirement