Summary

Dawand Jones was drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Round 4, (pick 111) out of Ohio State. Jones is a physically imposing offensive tackle prospect whose strengths lie in overwhelming size, dominant power, and run-game impact. His combination of length, strength and contact dominance make him a highly compelling prospect to man the edge and anchor a running attack or protect in a more man-scheme environment.

However, his profile is not without caveats. His athleticism and mirror speed are not elite, he sometimes struggles with pad level and leverage due to his height, and his scheme fit may matter a lot—he projects best in teams emphasizing power run and less lateral/tight-space footwork at tackle. In short: he offers starting upside and perhaps more, but also comes with measurable risk and projection questions.

Strengths

• Massive frame and elite length: Jones is one of the largest tackle prospects in recent memory. His height, weight, and arm length (over 36″) give him a tremendous physical foundation. NFL Draft Buzz

• Run-blocking beast: He excels in the ground game, using his size and strength to dominate defenders, drive blocks, and create lanes. For example:

• “Utterly devastating in the run game… bullies defenders out of their gaps.” NFL Draft Buzz

• Good base and hand-work: Despite his size, he shows some surprising movement ability for a man of his mass; his snap timing and hand placement are noted as above average. Bleacher Report

• Versatility in position play (guard/tackle experience): While he was primarily a right tackle in college, his size and skill suggest potential flexibility in the interior or at tackle depending on scheme. NFL Draft Buzz

Weaknesses

• Foot speed / athleticism vs elite speed rushers: A common theme in scouting is that while Jones is big and strong, his feet and movement are not elite relative to top edge rushers or agile defenders.

• Leverage and pad level concerns: Because of his height and mass, there are times he plays “high” (standing up too much) which can allow defenders to gain leverage underneath him. NFL Draft Buzz

• Mirroring and recovery in pass protection can be challenged: Defenders with bend or speed can exploit his size in pass-rush scenarios; some evaluations suggest he may struggle on island in pure pass-pro sets. Last Word On Sports

• Fit in zone-blocking or highly mobile schemes: While strong in power/gap systems, some reports indicate he may be less ideal in systems that rely heavily on wide-zone blocking, pulling, and constant lateral movement. PFSN

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:
  Jones fits best in an offense that emphasizes power and downhill run-game concepts, uses an offense that leans less on extreme lateral movement at tackle, and offers him safeguards (e.g., guard help, chip blocks, scheme design) when facing top speed rushers. A team that values brute strength and wants a bookend who can dominate the run and anchor the line will find his skillset appealing.

• Outlook:

• Short-Term (Years 1-2): As a 4th-round pick, there is expectation for Jones to develop into a starter. Early signs are positive for starting potential given his physical tools. He may initially be used in rotational roles or as a strong run-game asset while refining pass-pro.

• Medium-Term (Years 3-5): If he refines his footwork, improves his pass-pro technique, and maintains leverage and pad level, he could solidify as a reliable starting tackle, and possibly one of the better run-dominant tackles in the league.