Cleveland Browns: Chad Thomas has chance to prove his worth vs. Bills

The Cleveland Browns will be without Olivier Vernon against the Buffalo Bills, giving Chad Thomas a chance to prove his worth.

Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey has heard a lot about the 2018 draft class because of his success early in the draft with Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, and Nick Chubb. But he has also heard plenty of criticism for some of his selections, including Chad Thomas.

Despite being a third-round selection, Thomas could not get on the field his rookie season. Thomas played in four games and was on the field for only 22 defensive snaps in 2018 and did not register a tackle.

He has been more involved with the Browns defense this season, but still has not been a significant cog in the unit. Thomas has played in all eight games this season and has been on the field for 23 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps. However, he has only been able to make eight total tackles, including one sack.

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Thomas was expected to see an increase in playing time this season, but mostly as a substitute for Olivier Vernon. Vernon has been quietly having a strong season, making it harder for Thomas to get on the field. But in his limited time, Thomas has shown some flashes. But he has been unable to turn those flashes into dominant plays.

That will change on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills as Vernon was already ruled out with a knee injury. With Vernon out, Thomas is expected to be the starter at defensive end, playing opposite of Myles Garrett.

This is a big opportunity for Thomas because it is his first extended chance to prove his worth. A solid performance against the Bills could help Thomas see more playing time later in the season if and when Vernon returns. And Thomas will have a decent chance to do so against the Bills.

The Browns will move their defensive ends around the formation, so Thomas will not be lined up solely as the left defensive end. But for the majority of the game, he will be lining up against Buffalo’s right tackle. However, Thomas will likely go up against multiple Bills linemen at right tackle.

Buffalo has been using a right tackle-by-committee approach this season, with Ty Nsekhe and rookie Cody Ford splitting time. Neither player has performed well enough to fully grasp the starting job, but they have both played fairly well. Nsekhe has been the most consistent player, but Ford has been developing as the season goes on.

Nsekhe has been solid as a pass blocker and has not allowed a sack this season. But Ford still has troubles dealing with NFL rushers and has allowed four sacks. Ford has shown growth, but is still a work in progress in pass protection. Nsekhe has the general fundamentals for a veteran linemen that helps him not put himself in difficult scenarios.

Ford’s issues can come against speed rushers, which is not Thomas’ biggest strength. Thomas attempts to use his power to move the pass blocker into the pocket, giving him a chance to make a play. He also uses his power to help set an edge.

Thomas may not be going against weak competition at right tackle against the Bills, but there are some aspects he can exploit. With his first opportunity as a starter, Thomas will have a chance to start to prove he was worth a third-round selection.