ClutchPoints
The Cleveland Browns prepare to enter their 2025 NFL training camp under head coach Kevin Stefanski’s steady hand. However, there’s a cloud of uncertainty that looms large over their offense. Sure, the defense, spearheaded by Pro Bowler Myles Garrett, remains a formidable force. Still, questions swirl around the quarterback position. Crucially, the offensive line tasked with protecting whichever signal-caller should emerge victorious from the training camp battle.
Among the Browns’ roster, one player does stand out as carrying the weight of the franchise’s hopes more than any other: Dawand Jones. He’s the team’s young tackle who faces a pivotal crossroads in his career. As the Browns embark on what promises to be a challenging season, the pressure mounts on Jones to hold the line and anchor the offense’s front.
The Browns head into the 2025 season facing a challenging offensive outlook. Whichever quarterback emerges from the competition, whether it’s Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders, or Dillon Gabriel,will likely endure significant pressure behind a line plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Tackles Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin have struggled with availability. They have missed a combined 34 games over the past two years. Yes, the Browns have a sturdy interior trio in Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, and Wyatt Teller. That said, their fragile edges leave the quarterbacks vulnerable to relentless defensive assaults.
On the ground, running backs Jerome Ford and rookie Quinshon Judkins must find and exploit the limited running lanes against aggressive defenses. Note that Judkins is dealing with off the field issues as well. The receiving corps offers limited firepower beyond veteran Jerry Jeudy, too. Third-year wideout Cedric Tillman, despite being a locked-in starter with 50 catches, recently sustained a minor injury that further clouds the depth chart. Tight end David Njoku will have to channel his 2023 Pro Bowl-level production to keep the passing game competitive.
Defensively, Cleveland remains anchored by stars like Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward. On the flip side, without offensive consistency to sustain drives, the defense risks fatigue under constant pressure. Faced with these hurdles, the Browns are likely to remain near the bottom of the AFC North. This places a premium on solidifying the quarterback and o-line positions moving forward.
Here we’ll try to look at two players who are sneaky Cleveland Browns trade candidates entering 2025 NFL training camp.
At just 23 years old and entering his third NFL season, Dawand Jones carries an outsized burden for a young player. Drafted in the fourth round in 2023, Jones was thrust immediately into the starting right tackle role. His rookie season showed promise. He even earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team despite it being cut short by a season-ending knee injury. However, Jones struggled through his sophomore campaign. His move to left tackle, which was after Jedrick Wills Jr tore his MCL last season, was marred by a fractured fibula suffered after only three games. That’s where he posted a notably poor 44.1...
