The Cleveland Browns started their offensive line overhaul by sending a fifth-round draft pick to the Houston Texans in exchange for Tytus Howard. Shortly after, they gave Howard a lucrative three-year, $63 million contract extension.
That was a lot of money for a 30-year-old tackle with no Pro Bowl selections or career accolades, prompting mixed reviews. However, he didn't give up a single sack in 2025, and his ability to play multiple positions was also enticing to Cleveland's new regime.
That versatility may have to be on full display soon. While Howard has been the projected starting right tackle since he arrived in Berea, head coach Todd Monken hinted at potentially moving him to the interior to allow Dawand Jones to assume a larger role.
“Obviously that could be an option if we felt like that putting Tytus at right guard and maybe him at tackle,” Monken said (h/t Cleveland.com). “And we’ve talked about that a little bit, but as of right now, we like Tytus at right tackle. And we like having with Dawand and then (third-round pick) Austin (Barber) potentially be your four tackles. So we are working through the right guard position."
The Browns' offensive line versatility could become a major strength
This sounds like a good problem to have. Jones has turned heads since spring workouts. According to Monken, he's leaner and seems to be in the best shape of his career, so it looks like he's making it difficult for the Browns to keep him on the bench.
While there will always be injury concerns with the former Ohio State star, he was at his best when he suited up at right tackle as a rookie. Pro Football Focus gave him a 73.0 pass-blocking grade, with him giving up 21 total pressures (including three sacks) on 710 pass blocking snaps.
As for Howard, he's played extensively all over the offensive line. Last season alone, he played 628 snaps at right tackle, 402 snaps at left guard, and 132 snaps at right guard, so this wouldn't be anything new to him. He's also played 245 snaps at left tackle in his career, per PFF.
The Browns emphasized positional versatility when they rebuilt their offensive line. Most of the newcomers can play multiple spots, giving offensive line coach George Warhop the flexibility to always have the best five-man unit on the field.
“I think that’s something that as we get through the next few days, as we talked about a little bit, is where are we at?" Monken said. "Where do we want to go from here? We let it play. Because when you’re installing, if you start moving guys around, it puts players at a disadvantage. Now you’re not seeing them play fast and you’re seeing them process and it’s hard to really evaluate."
The Browns can't keep shuffling linemen forever
However, just because guys can play multiple positions doesn't mean they should move them all around the field. Consistency is key, and this team needs some continuity after years of a revolving door up front.
Teven Jenkins was — and probably still is — the frontrunner for the starting right guard job. He's been held out of practice with an undisclosed injury since Aug. 1, leaving the Browns to try former tackle KT Leveston in his spot.
Is it because Jenkins' injury is serious? Or maybe because they're not that sold on him? Or is it just a case of playing the five best guys and figuring out their fit and position later?
Whatever the case, this team is already at a disadvantage. Yes, they have a promising, much-improved offensive line, but the guys need time and reps to get fully in sync before the start of the season.
The Browns still have a bit over a week to prepare for their first preseason game, and while nothing will be set in stone so early, they can't keep dragging out some position battles.
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