The Cleveland Browns struck gold in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., and it appears they’ve done it again with offensive tackle Dawand Jones.
After veteran Pro Bowler Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the rookie lineman was catapulted into a starting role less than half a game into his professional career. Jones has played 88% of the team’s offensive snaps since then and is the league’s greatest rookie pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
The Cleveland Browns struck gold in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., and it appears they’ve done it again with offensive tackle Dawand Jones.
After veteran Pro Bowler Jack Conklin suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, the rookie lineman was catapulted into a starting role less than half a game into his professional career. Jones has played 88% of the team’s offensive snaps since then and is the league’s greatest rookie pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
On Thursday, November 2, PFF College posted on X, “Highest graded rookie OL in pass protection this season:
Dawand Jones, Browns OT, was an above-average pass blocker in his rookie season.
Jones has played 261 passing down snaps in seven games, surrendering 12 QB pressures and two sacks. Jones has also been called for two penalties by the officials. Perhaps most importantly, the offensive tackle has only allowed two hits on his quarterbacks, which is critical as Deshaun Watson returns to the starting lineup Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals after missing multiple weeks due to a rotator cuff injury.
Jones’ pass-blocking grade of 72.4 is above average for all players at the position in 2023, not just rookies. Except for the team’s Week 4 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens and last week, he has been good to excellent in every game.
Dawand Jones, CLE.
Jones’ run game has been a different story. His run-block grade is significantly below average, though it has improved as the season has progressed – with the exception of a relapse last week against Seattle.
Despite a steep learning curve and some issues in the run game, Jones appears to be a quality starter for the Browns, and they did so on Day 3 of the selection. Cleveland chose the OT in the fourth round with the 111th overall choice. The 22-year-old will play the next four seasons on his rookie contract worth $4.6 million, giving the Browns exceptional value at a premium position for years to come.
Martin Emerson Jr., cornerback for the Cleveland Browns, is expected to have a productive season in 2023.
Jones is just the most recent example of Cleveland’s draft brilliance, which has been demonstrated in significant ways over the last two offseasons.
In 2022, the Browns selected Emerson with the 68th overall pick, at the top of the third round. Despite a quality secondary in Cleveland, the cornerback forced his way into significant playing time as a rookie. Last season, Emerson played 72% of the team’s defensive snaps and had 15 pass breakups.
Emerson has played 82% of the defensive snaps this year, accumulating 21 tackles, 6 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions through seven games. According to Pro Football Reference, the CB has been outstanding in coverage, restricting opposition passers to a 38.9% completion rate and a 41.7 rating on 36 targets. He has not given up a touchdown.
Draft picks like Jones and Emerson are crucial not only because they contribute to immediate success, but also because they provide significant financial value. Emerson is in the second year of his $5.5 million rookie contract and won’t be eligible for free agency until 2026.
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