The Browns face a season-defining O-line shakeup after Dawand Jones’ season-ending knee surgery in Week 3. Jones’s injury adds to a troubling knee history and leaves Cleveland looking for reliable, affordable depth as Conklin battles injuries and a veteran-packed line ages. Cornelius Lucas steps in as the lead swing tackle while rookie KT Leveston adds depth. With Bitonio, Teller and Pocic all free agents soon, Cleveland must weigh long-term restructuring against short-term continuity. The search for younger, cheaper linemen starts now.

Dion Dawkins lands at No. 76 on ESPN's 2025 top-100, Buffalo's lone player on the list, reinforcing his status as a premier blindside protector and run-block mauler. Dawkins has started 136 games since 2017 and earned four consecutive Pro Bowls, proving his durability and consistency in front of Josh Allen. ESPN highlights his impact on a Bills offense that averaged 30 points per game and emphasizes the left tackle's role in sustaining top-tier pass protection and run design.

His signature stat places him among a scarce group: one of four offensive linemen to reach Pro Bowl in four straight seasons, joining Bitonio, Nelson and Wirfs. Dawkins is lauded for leading an O-line that allowed the fewest sacks (14) and boasted a fourth-best pass-block win rate (68.4%), underscoring why he’s viewed as a foundational piece for Buffalo’s offensive success in 2025.