Ohio State Football: Dawand Jones has an opportunity

The Ohio State football team did not have the best year from the offensive line last year. They got pushed around when things got tough and that ended up costing them games. That doesn’t mean that they didn’t have some individually good results from some players.

Dawand Jones started for the first time last season. He did so at right tackle and had an up-and-down season. He showed some real promise despite some issues early in the season. Jones is a massive dude, standing at 6’8 so his measurables are extremely attractive to NFL scouts.

Jones did take look at jumping into the NFL this past off-season but didn’t get the grade that he liked so he returned to school. That was a smart move because he has an opportunity to really help himself be a high draft pick. He’s got a chance to develop into a first-rounder.

Jones had some issues against quicker edge-rushers who were smaller than he is. He doesn’t quite have the bend that other tackles, so that’s where he needs some work. That’s where new offensive line coach Justin Frye comes in. He can help develop him into a better player. 

The Ohio State football team is going to have a strong offense regardless of Jones’ improvement. They have too much firepower. But Jones is going to improve and he could be a tackle that the Buckeyes can run towards. TreVeyon Henderson is good enough to gain yards anywhere, but it’s a lot easier running behind a guy as big as Jones.