The Cleveland Browns had the opportunity to compare themselves to a Super Bowl contender on Thursday when they took part in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. With so many areas of the team in flux, it was a good way to see where the Browns stand in their development under new head coach Todd Monken.
One of the most important works in progress is Cleveland’s rebuilt offensive line. So, it was good to get some feedback from one of the Bills’ top players in that area.
Buffalo left tackle Dion Dawkins revealed how the Browns’ offensive line can improve, and it has a lot to do with building chemistry and a strong relationship as a group.
“They need to do everything and everything to make that five-finger a solid fist. That’s going to take off the field, dinners, laughs, cries, tough battles, losses, wins, arguments. It’s going to take all of that. If they’re pushing for it the right way, all they gotta do is be honest with one another. Don’t try to sugarcoat nothing. You guys need to communicate. Without the line, the team don’t move,” Dawkins said.
Asked Bills LT Dion Dawkins his thoughts on what it'll take to get the #Browns new o-line gelling
"They need to do everything and everything to make that five-finger a solid fist..that's going to take off the field, dinners, laughs, cries, tough battles, losses, wins, arguments" pic.twitter.com/RjySck16IX
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 21, 2026
As a nine-year veteran and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Dawkins has been through many transitions with the Bills. But not even he has had to deal with building a completely brand-new unit from scratch, as the Browns are doing after losing their five most-used starters from last season.
Four of the potential starters weren’t even on the team last season, as Tytus Howard arrived in a trade, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins signed as free agents, and Spencer Fano was a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Only Teven Jenkins was with Cleveland last year, and he was re-signed after making just four starts.
The Browns’ starting offensive line played limited snaps together in the first preseason game against the Chicago Bears last Saturday. They protected quarterback Deshaun Watson well enough but did struggle in the running game, particularly in short-yardage situations.
In the joint practice, Monken seemed pleased with the offensive line’s performance, with Fano a particular standout. It is unclear how much they will play, if at all, in the preseason game against Buffalo on Saturday, when Shedeur Sanders will play the first half as the starting quarterback, followed by Watson in the third quarter.
After that, they will have one more chance to work together in the preseason finale against the New England Patriots next Thursday before the regular season opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept 13.
NEXT: Browns' RB Unit Receives Surprising 2026 Ranking
