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.