PFF predicts Browns rookie will start by season's end

The Browns have had a few rookies with impressive showings in the preseason thus far, and Pro Football Focus believes one of them will be a starter by the end of the 2023 season.

PFF predicts that Dawand Jones, Cleveland's fourth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, will be the starting right tackle by the end of the season.

"Jack Conklin has now missed time in each of the past two seasons," PFF writes. "[Jones] provides excellent contingency at a spot that has needed it over the past two seasons, but if he gets a chance to start at any point in 2023, don't be surprised if he never gives the job back."

Jones has looked great through the Browns' three preseason games, allowing zero sacks and just two pressures on 111 pass-blocking snaps, according to NFL Rookie Watch.

The massive 6-foot-8, 375-pound offensive tackle is, however, the backup to Conklin, a two-time Pro Bowler who allowed just two sacks in 2022.

Offensive line coach Bill Callahan has been impressed with Jones' play but believes he still has a ways to go.

"For any rookie coming in as an offensive lineman, it's going to be a process," Callahan said following the Hall of Fame Game. "I really thought his pass protection took some major steps. He still has a long ways to go yet. We're still working on the run-technique aspect of his play to make him a more complete player. But it was good to see him perform under the lights against good competition."

It seems like as long as Conklin is healthy, he'll be the starter, but Jones will only continue building his case if gets an opportunity and plays as well as he has been.