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NFL insider reveals bizarre reason why Dawand Jones fell to 4th round of NFL Draft
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Dawand Jones was mocked by many to be a 1st round talent in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, the 359-pound lineman (374 at the NFL combine) fell all the way to Day 3, going in the 4th round to the Cleveland Browns.
Now, we potentially know why. According to NFL reported Albert Breer with Sports Illustrated, Jones told NFL GMs that his dream was to play in the NBA, not the NFL. But that’s not it. Jones also reportedly struggled with the Senior Bowl and Pro Day activities. Furthermore, those in NFL management questioned Jones’ weight, too.
Remember, PFF had Jones going as high as No. 11 to the Tennessee Titans. Instead, he was the No. 111 pick.
Update: #Browns 6’8, 359 pound OT Dawand Jones was mocked by many as a 1st round pick in the 2023 Draft, but he fall to the 4th round, now we learn why.
Jones told teams during interviews his that dream is to play in the NBA, not NFL, which turned them off to him.
He also… pic.twitter.com/v5oFJns53W
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 3, 2023
Few are doubting Jones’ physical talent. That much is obvious. But it’s also obvious that some in the NFL circle felt his work ethic and “want-to” was simply lacking. And if NFL scouts are wrong? Well, the Browns just earned quite the high value pick at No. 111.
We’ll know for sure if Jones is an NFL-caliber player around September!
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.