5 Former Cleveland Browns who would thrive on 2019 roster

2018 was the first time in 11 seasons that the Cleveland Browns needed to worry about the left tackle spot. That’s because it was locked down from 2007 through 2017 as future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas was lined up as the blind-side protector.

The No. 3 overall pick in 2007, Thomas struggled through some of the worst times in Cleveland sports history. He was part of a winning team as a rookie, but never again tasted a succesful campaign. Even with the team losing at an alarming rate, Thomas continued to show up to work every day and gave it all he had.

He refused to be traded and continued to show uncommon loyalty while also proving to be insanely durable. Thomas played in 10,363 consecutive snaps dating back to his rookie season up until a triceps injury sidelined him in 2017. Thomas never returned as his body took quite a beating — which most of us never realized given the fact that he was just always on the field dominating his man.

Cleveland originally tried to replace Thomas with Desmond Harrison last season, but the undrafted free agent lasted only eight weeks. He showed some flashes but also proved to be a headache as the team released him in the offseason.

His replacement was Greg Robinson, who returned on a one-year deal as he still tries to prove he can be the long-term answer. While there’s hope he can be, no fan would turn down Thomas in his prime as the starter.