Andrew Thomas a ‘name to remember’ for Cleveland Browns in 2020 Draft

The Cleveland Browns are widely expected to select an offensive tackle with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Andrew Thomas could be the pick.

Even before the 2019 was completed, the Cleveland Browns were pegged to be selecting an offensive tackle with their first pick in the 2020 NFL. For most of the 2019 season, Andrew Thomas was viewed as the top offensive tackle prospect.

In the case of the Browns, the belief that they will be selecting an offensive tackle has not changed. Edge protection for Baker Mayfield was putrid in 2019, forcing the quarterback to have an eagerness to bail out of the pocket, even if he was not being pressured.

Despite having a new general manager in Andrew Berry, Cleveland’s need to improve the offensive line is clear. Although there may be a new philosophy in Cleveland’s front office, there is still the belief offensive tackle is the position Berry and the Browns will be targeting in the draft.

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Although the expectation from the 2019 season that the Browns will be drafting an offensive tackle with their first selection has not changed, the same cannot be said for Thomas still being viewed as the top offensive tackle prospect.

Towards the end of the 2019 season and into the offseason, Thomas was no longer considered the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft by draft experts. Instead, he is now viewed as the second or third best available tackle as Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton have had their stocks climb.

However, even though Thomas may no longer be viewed as the top tackle prospect, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report says that Thomas is the “name to remember” for the Browns during the draft process based on what Miller has been hearing around the league.

"Another new general manager is in charge in Cleveland, and this time it’s Andrew Berry who will be tasked with fixing the Browns. With a heavy background in analytics, Berry could look to trade back and acquire more picks, but at No. 10 overall, the league consensus is that an offensive tackle should be the pick. Protecting Baker Mayfield and opening rushing lanes for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are priorities. Georgia’s Andrew Thomas is a name to remember here. – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report"

Since the start of the NFL Scouting Combine, the Cleveland Browns have been connected to several of the top offensive tackles. The Browns have met with several of the top offensive tackle prospects, including Thomas.

Thomas has experience starting at both tackle spots and was a starter since he started on campus at Georgia. He played in a pro-style offense with the Bulldogs, which should help his adjustment into the NFL. He is a powerful run blocker, but there are some questions about if his movement skills will translate well with Kevin Stefanski’s preference to operate a wide zone rushing scheme.

Thomas’ measurements at the Combine solidified that he has the size and length to be an NFL tackle. If he can prove to NFL front offices that he is not just a power blocker and has fluent movement skills, as well as cleaning up his pass blocking technique, he could once again emerge as one of the best offensive tackles.

With all of the top offensive tackle prospects being lumped together, each team’s rankings will likely vary on who they view are the top prospects. The Browns could go a variety of directions with their first round pick, but as Miller said, it may be worth keeping an eye on the Browns connection with Thomas throughout the draft process.