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.

The Browns acquire KT Leveston from the Rams for a 2028 seventh-round pick, signaling a push to bolster left-tackle depth and re-emphasize the run game. Leveston, who missed his rookie season with an ankle injury, flashed in Week 2 preseason (elite 89.8 overall, 93.6 run-block) and lands in Cleveland as they finalize a run-heavy approach. Depth-chart implications are on the radar as rosters lock later today.

Fantasy-wise, Leveston’s immediate value hinges on where he lands on the depth chart and potential starts. Monitor how Cleveland lines him up and whether he cracks the starting lineup, since the Browns’ ground game growth could hinge on a healthier, more versatile swing tackle in Leveston.

Cleveland hosts Los Angeles in a preseason finale that doubles as a Week 1 tune‑up. The Browns will scout five Rams players to slow the offense and test depth: Stetson Bennett IV, Cam Lampkin, KT Leveston, Shaun Dolac, and Jarquez Hunter. Also in focus are Rams standouts Nate Valcarcel and Brennan Presley, who could swing the outcome as Cleveland evaluates its roster for RB3 and other depth roles.

Bennett has the Rams’ offense humming with two preseason games, delivering 512 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 picks, while Lampkin flashed elite coverage early and Leveston posted elite run blocking. Dolac has impressed at linebacker, and Hunter is the streaky back carrying the Rams’ ground game. Cleveland must neutralize the run and contain Bennett’s timing to keep the dress rehearsal from tilting away from them.

The Browns will lean into roster decisions behind Pierre Strong Jr. and Ahmani Marshall and aim to limit big plays from the Rams’ first unit. Defensively, Cleveland looks to pressure Bennett and disrupt the rhythm of a rolling Rams attack, while sorting through its own RB3 battle and evaluating depth pieces for the 53.