Dawand Jones, the Browns offensive lineman, is undergoing a remarkable physical transformation as he gears up to take over the crucial left tackle position. This transformation, along with Jones's initial hesitation about the position switch, and the potential implications for the Browns' future, were recently discussed on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast, featuring hosts Dan Labbe, Mary Kay Cabot, and Ashley Bastock.
Jones's Physical Transformation: Leaning Out and Gaining Muscle
Ashley Bastock reported after observing Jones at OTAs. The noticeable difference in Jones's physique is that he appears leaner. Jones has reshaped his body composition, maintaining his weight while reducing body fat. According to Bastock, Jones stated that he had lost approximately 20 pounds of body fat. Jones's weight is currently listed at 374 pounds, nearly identical to last year's 375 pounds. As Bastock explained, he essentially converted 20 pounds of fat into muscle.
Initial Hesitation and Transition to Left Tackle
Jones initially expressed reluctance about switching from right tackle to left tackle after speaking with Andrew Berry. According to Jones, the left tackle position demands a different skill set, requiring finesse and a varied pace. To prepare for this transition, Jones has been studying NFL tackles who have successfully made similar moves, with Tristan Wirfs and Trent Brown being of particular interest due to their similar sizes. Bastock noted that Tristan Wirfs is 6-7, 347 pounds, compared to Dawand.
High Stakes and Potential Implications for the Browns
The stakes are high for both Jones and the Browns. Success at left tackle would address one of the team’s most pressing personnel issues by providing a replacement for the underperforming Jedrick Wills. Mary Kay Cabot emphasized the significance of this potential outcome, calling it a "huge save."
The implications extend beyond just the left tackle position. The entire Browns offensive line faces uncertainty next year. As Labbe pointed out, the contracts of Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, and Joel Bitonio are all up after the current year.
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Flexibility and Resource Management
If Jones can secure the left tackle position, it would provide the Browns with greater flexibility in resource allocation. Labbe explained that if Dawand Jones proves to be a long-term solution, the Browns would not need to use a draft pick on a left tackle or spend significant money in free agency to acquire one.
Additional Information
Caesars has set the Browns regular season wins line at 5.5.
Bastock's Insights on the Browns Offense
According to Ashley Bastock, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel's quote summed up the Browns offense in New England: "They hadn’t turned it over, and then when their gimmick plays ran out, I thought we played pretty good defense."
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