Next up on our training camp preview is the offensive line position. Because Cleveland completely overhauled their offensive line from top to bottom this offseason, we’re not previewing the starting five offensive linemen first. Instead, we’re focusing on who the top candidates at offensive tackle are. Part 2 will focus on the top candidates on the interior of the line, and then Part 3 will focus on the back end of the group.
1. Spencer Fano – Rookie OT
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 315 lbs | Age: 23 Experience: Rookie | College: Utah
With the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft, the Browns selected the top offensive lineman on the board in Utah’s Spencer Fano.
Sincer Joe Thomas retired after the 2017 season, Cleveland has been looking for their next top-tier left tackle. They took their first stab at it when they made Jedrick Wills a first-round pick, but he produced mediocre results. After Wills, a few stop-gaps have been in place. It was thought that maybe Dawand Jones could be the left tackle of the future, but he’s had a combination of injury and consistency issues.
Fano has a lot of talent and potential, but he also isn’t expected to be an All-Pro from Day 1 at left tackle. There were some who believe he’d perform better at right tackle or a guard position to begin his career, but Cleveland is going to have him anchor the left side of the line right away, and I don’t have a problem with that, considering the rest of the roster makeup. Here are some other features the DBN staff has written on Fano over the offseason:
- Everything you need to know from childhood to NFL draft (Barry Shuck)
- Spencer Fano, OT, Utah stats, awards, and scouting report (Jared Mueller)
- Why Spencer Fano is a perfect fit for Cleveland’s offensive line (Matthew Wilson)
Final Roster Odds: 100%
2. Tytus Howard – Starting OT
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320 lbs | Age: 30
Experience: 8 years | College: Alabama State
The first sign that Cleveland was revamping their offensive line this offseason came in early March, when they sent a 5th round pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for Tytus Howard. The move also came with a 3-year, $63 million extension.
Howard was solid in pass protection for Houston, with 93 games started by the former first-round pick. His run blocking is merely average, but after injuries plagued former right tackle Jack Conklin for years, Andrew Berry really placed a premium on durability.
Cleveland has a proven veteran and a first-round pick anchoring their tackle positions, which gives them confidence that they don’t have to worry about those spots for several years.
Barry Shuck also did a write-up on everything you need to know about Howard.
Final Roster Odds: 100%
3. Dawand Jones – Competing OT
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 374 lbs | Age: 24
Experience: 4 years | College: Ohio State
The most interesting player on the Browns depth chart this camp might be Dawand Jones. When I think of Jones, I think, “He’s a starting caliber player.” But the Browns went out and acquired two starters this offseason for the tackle positions.
I don’t see Cleveland putting him at guard. Him being a swing tackle — the primary backup who can play either tackle position — would seem to suit him in the final year of his contract, especially when you consider the fact that he’s suffered three season-ending injuries in his first three years.
However, offensive line coach George Warhop did not want to label him the team’s swing tackle yet back in June, on the insistence that he wants to see if they they can find a starting spot for Jones. Where? The best shot of that happening would be if Howard, who has experience at guard, kicks over to be the starting right guard, and then Jones starts at right tackle. I wouldn’t have a problem with that possibility, so we’ll see if that becomes a storyline as camp goes along.
Jones also earned a proven performance escalator this offseason, which Cleveland promptly took away, something that typically hasn’t been a good sign for the long-term prospects of a player with a team. Jones could also be a trade candidate, but with the depth issues faced the past few years, I don’t know if they want to just give away their solid depth now.
Final Roster Odds: 99%
4. KT Leveston – Backup OT
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 335 lbs | Age: 26
Experience: 3 years | College: Kansas State
At the end of training camp last year, the Browns acquired KT Leveston from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 7th round pick in 2028. He was originally a 7th round pick by the Rams in 2024.
After some struggles initially at tackle, Leveston was one of the team’s linemen who got better as the season went along. He’s still listed as a tackle for now, but talk this offseason has picked up about his potential at right guard:
Earlier in minicamp, as Cleveland tries to find their best five offensive linemen, they gave Leveston some work at tackle, and Todd Monken had some nice praise for what he showed on tape. It goes to show you that as a young player in a losing season, those incremental gains can pay off huge from what people see of you:
“We do like his power and his toughness, from what we’ve seen from last year, obviously we don’t see it here. Last year when he got a chance to play, you could see that running off the football, his aggressiveness, finishing plays, you love that about him. Those kinds of guys you’re always trying to find a spot for.”
Final Roster Odds: 90%
5. Austin Barber – Rookie OT
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 320 lbs | Age: 23
Experience: Rookie | College: Florida
If the Browns do feel comfortable with moving on from a guy like Dawand Jones this year, look no further for the reason than Austin Barber. Cleveland selected him in the third round of this year’s draft. With a solid camp, there wouldn’t be a starting role for him, but it’s possible he could be viewed as the team’s swing tackle from the get-go.
While some analysts like Dane Brugler had wondered if Barber should move inside, when the Browns took Barber, DBN’s Matt Wilson noted in our staff chat that Barber was his favorite offensive tackle in the draft, and believes he should stick outside as opposed to moving inside. He already has looked the part this offseason:
Here are a few other featured pieces the DBN staff has had on Barber this offseason:
- UF’s Austin Barber is a sneaky option for Cleveland at OT (Matthew Wilson)
- OT Austin Barber interview with DBN (Barry Shuck)
- Everything you need to know from childhood to NFL draft (Barry Shuck)
Final Roster Odds: 100%
In our poll question below, we’re asking what you think happens with OT Dawand Jones.
