Dawand Jones Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Could massive Browns rookie push for starting job?

A few of the Browns rookies stepped up in the team's 21-16 comeback win over the Jets in the Hall of Fame Game last week, but one impressed so much that some are wondering if he should get a shot at a starting role.

Right tackle Dawand Jones, Cleveland's fourth-round pick this year, allowed zero pressures on 35 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The massive 6-foot-8, 375-pound offensive tackle is currently the backup to veteran two-time Pro Bowler Jack Conklin.

Of course, the Browns shouldn't just hand Jones the starting job following one good performance, but if he continues to play as well as he did in his debut, the team should at least consider a competition.

For those saying, "It's just preseason," Jones faced first-rounders Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV and the 2022 leader in pass-rush win rate in Bryce Huff.

However, offensive line coach Bill Callahan 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. "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 doesn't seem likely that Jones will get a shot at starting in 2023, particularly with Conklin coming off a strong 2022 campaign where allowed just two sacks, but Jones could certainly make a strong case for himself a year from now.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider provides major injury update on Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis
Watch: Bruins strike first in Game 6 with incredible backhand goal
Dodgers make series of moves involving notable players
Giants rookie CF to undergo season-ending labrum surgery
Hurricanes not expected to re-sign defenseman, center
Paul Skenes makes incredible Wrigley Field history in second-career MLB start
Maple Leafs tab former Stanley Cup winner as new head coach
NFL insider expands on competition between Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
NFL sets outrageous prices for Eagles-Packers Brazil game
Scottie Scheffler shoots improbable 66 after warming up for PGA Championship in a jail cell
Nuggets star has worrying comment about latest injury
Broncos 'very unlikely' to bring back former NFL interceptions leader
Greg Olsen offers broadcasting advice to Tom Brady
Yankees' Juan Soto reacts to Hal Steinbrenner contract talk
Mets star has theory about closer Edwin Diaz's recent struggles
Scottie Scheffler arrested, still makes PGA Championship tee time
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update

Want more Browns news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.