Browns Underlying Stories: James Hudson III

As impressive as Hudson has been in terms of run blocking, he's fared just as poorly in pass protection. He has his share of solid performances in pass protection, but when he's been exposed, it's been painful to watch. To this point, he's also more effective protecting on the right side as opposed to the left, which could create an opportunity for rookie Dawand Jones.

As Hudson prepares to head into training camp in his third season, he has a golden opportunity to improve in pass protection. He's going to get plenty of opportunities for reps and face off against an array of pass rushing styles.

Jack Conklin isn't coming off an injury like he was last year, so the Browns will want him to get reps to build confident in his knee over a year removed from his surgery. Incorporating more inside zone looks and simply learning how he will need to block for Deshaun Watson will also be important. Nevertheless, they aren't going to look to overwork Conklin, which should provide Hudson opportunities to face off against the best the Browns defense has to offer.

Hudson is no longer learning the offense or new to the position. He's honing his craft, working on coming up with answers on how to counter how opponents are trying to beat him. Going up against Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is an intimidating proposition and Hudson will suffer his share of defeats, but if he's able to get through it and improve his pass protection, he would then become an option to potentially start at tackle at some point.

The Browns picked up the fifth-year option for Jedrick Wills, but if he doesn't take a step forward this year, they don't have to keep him. If they feel good enough about one of the other tackles on the roster, they could then trade Wills in 2024 (and yes, there will be teams that want him). Hudson plays with the effort and body language many want from Wills, so he would be an easy player for both teammates and fans to rally around if he's able to break through.

Meanwhile, should Hudson continue to struggle in pass protection, he could potentially lose his status as the swing tackle for the coming season.

Dawand Jones may be a rookie, but he was one of the most dominant tackles in college the past two seasons. He doesn't need to get bigger, stronger or faster. Jones didn't play with poor technique in college either. For him, it's simply adapting to the speed of the NFL game, incorporating new techniques and terminology this offense uses.

Jones also has to get comfortable enough on the left side to play there confidently. Otherwise he might be limited to playing on the right side exclusively as a rookie. Nevertheless, Jones was dominant in pass protection at Ohio State. If that translates to the NFL, the Browns are going to be more inclined to go with him in the event they need a tackle. Protecting Deshaun Watson is more important than any run blocking advantage Hudson might provide.

For all the criticisms of Jones regarding his passion for the game and professionalism, it's easy to work with someone motivated by money. If Jones wants to get paid, he needs to work hard and improve. In that respect, the rookie contract for Jones could be the best football he plays in the NFL.

As a result, there's a path where Hudson could position himself as a potential starting tackle behind Wills or Conklin and one where Jones passes him up on the depth chart.

One of the more interesting possibilities for the Browns this year is package where both Hudson and Jones are on the field with Jones as a tight end and Hudson as a fullback. It's an extra 700 pounds on the field and a significant uptick in power for when the Browns are near the goal line or need to pick a yard to extend a drive. 

Years three and four are pivotal for offensive linemen and could be where they make their biggest improvements. The development of both James Hudson III and Dawand Jones will be important for the Cleveland Browns this season.