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5 Best Cleveland Browns first round draft picks since 1999

By Clay Goodwin

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks linebacker Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 17: Offensive tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks linebacker Tyus Bowser #54 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks against the Oakland Raiders during a game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks against the Oakland Raiders during a game at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle

The best first-round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns since coming back to the league in 1999 is none other than the future Hall of Famer, Joe Thomas. Thomas solidified the blind spot for Cleveland quarterbacks for 11 strong seasons. He was the anchor to the line and the entire team.

Thomas represents what loyalty and professionalism are all about. He went to work for a losing team day after day, year after year and never complained. Thomas even blocked for quarterbacks he did not know.

The Wisconsin product was a 10-time Pro Bowler in his 11-year career as well as a six-time All-Pro. Those are legendary honors. The only season Thomas was not a Pro Bowler was his last season when he only played seven games after he tore his triceps.

He was one of the best linemen in the NFL in every season he played. He was dominant. His play would have been more appreciated if he was surrounded by talent and his work showed benefits. Despite the lack of production from the team and other players, Thomas was elite.

Thomas was humbly the face of the Browns throughout his career. He was our best player and was always reliable. He is still a fan favorite and a Cleveland icon. That will not change. Joe Thomas is one of the best players to ever play for the Browns, so he certainly is the top player on this list.

Browns double up on OT, safety in 7-round mock. dark. Next

The Browns have had some recent success in drafts the last 20 years as exemplified by this list. We can only hope that success gets more consistent and leads to even better players.

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