There could be two ways to look at the starting left tackle spot for the Cleveland Browns. On one had, maybe the fact that Dawand Jones has been alternating first-team reps with Spencer Fano is a sign that Jones, finally healthy and in good physical condition, is ready to show the talents we’ve only seen in flashes in the past. That’s certainly the glass-half-full view.
But the other way to look at it is a bit more concerning. Going back to April, the presumption has been that Spencer Fano, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, was a lock to earn the starting job at left tackle and the fact that he has not done so could reflect some trepidation from the organization on whether it made the right choice on Fano instead of other tackle options.
Hard to say and, given the injury history that Jones brings to the job, it might not be an issue all season–he has played just 24 games in three years since he was a fourth-round pick in 2023.
Browns Could Sit Spencer Fano
Either way, it appears Jones has a good line on winning the Browns’ starting left tackle job, and that Fano may have to wait on his opportunity. That much was made clear by coach Todd Monken on Wednesday.
Monken was asked if Fano might need time as a reserve to “get up to speed.”
The coach said: “I’m sure I would agree with you. I think there’s a world in a number of spots where a player could end up starting while you get the other players up to speed. We’re not really there yet …l et’s start with Dawand. He’s in the best shape of his life. He’s out there competing, talking smack, seems to be in a really good place, and we want to reward that.
“We also want to bring Spencer along at a pace we feel is the best way to build his confidence, and I think Hop’s (George Warhop) doing a great job with that.”
Spencer Fano Could Start at LT if Tytus Howard Moves
Now, one thing that Monken has been consistent in saying is that the Browns will approach the line with a “best five” mentality, and for much of the offseason that has meant free-agent signees Tytus Howard at right tackle and Zion Johnson at left guard. The other free-agent signee, Elgton Jenkins, was presumed to be either right guard or center, depending on who won the other job.
And Fano was written in at left tackle. But Jones has upset that apple cart.
Browns Hope to Pick a Direction Soon
Monken was asked whether the Browns could consider a move of Jones to right tackle–he has played there before–with Howard bumping in to right guard and Jenkins at center. It’s not preferred, Monken said, but he did not wipe that option off the table.
Monken also is well aware that injuries are a part of any offensive line scenario, and with Jones and third-round pick Austin Barber on hand, there is comfort in having four playable tackles. He wants the team to have its roles set soon, though.
“Obviously, that could be an option if we felt like putting Tytus (Howard) at right guard and (Jones) at tackle. We’ve talked about that a little bit, but as of right now we like Tytus at right tackle, and we like having Dawand, and then Austin (Barber) potentially be your four tackles,” Monken said.
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