Cleveland’s fourth-round pick was quite effective as a rookie.
The Cleveland Browns did not pick a player until the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Due to trades for QB Deshaun Watson and WR Elijah Moore, GM Andrew Berry elected to pick later than practically every other club in the league, just as he did in 2022.
Berry selected CB Martin Emerson as his first pick that year, and it has worked out well.
The Browns’ first pick in the NFL draft in 2023 was wide receiver Cedric Tillman. Tillman played a significant amount of the team’s snaps, particularly when Donovan Peoples-Jones was dealt, but OL Dawand Jones, a fourth-round pick, had the greatest effect and played the most snaps.
Taking over for the injured Jack Conklin on the right side of the offensive line.
The players mentioned above demonstrate how talent can be found anywhere. While some first-round choices made the team, so did Jones from the fourth round, Puka Nacua from the fifth round, and undrafted Ivan Pace Jr.
What comes next for Berry and Jones is the future of the Browns’ offensive line. Conklin, Jones, and Jedrick Wills are all returning from injuries and have contracts for the 2024 season.
For now, Jones can heal and enjoy his first, and perhaps many, professional honors.
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