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Who Are the 5 Best Tackles Drafted by the Cleveland Browns?

By Christopher Markoch

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 23: Tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks during a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 23, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 34-12. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 23: Tackle Joe Thomas #73 of the Cleveland Browns blocks during a game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 23, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 34-12. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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HIRAM, OH – JULY, 1960: Offensive Tackle and Placekicker Lou Groza #76, of the Cleveland Browns, poses for an action portrait during training camp in July, 1960 at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. Quarterback Len Dawson #18 is the holder. (Photo by: Henry Barr Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
HIRAM, OH – JULY, 1960: Offensive Tackle and Placekicker Lou Groza #76, of the Cleveland Browns, poses for an action portrait during training camp in July, 1960 at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. Quarterback Len Dawson #18 is the holder. (Photo by: Henry Barr Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention – Lou Groza, 1946, Undrafted

The reason why Lou Groza makes the list as an honorable mention is for historical accuracy. When Groza started his career, the Browns played in the All-American Football Conference. This was a rival league to the NFL. The league did not have a draft until Groza’s second year.

As told by Andy Piascik in his book The Best Show in Football: The 1946-1955 Cleveland Browns – Pro Football’s Greatest Dynasty, Groza received a package from then Ohio State football coach Paul Brown while Groza was finishing his service in the U.S. Army. In the package, Brown included a contract to play on the new team Brown would be coaching, the Cleveland Browns. Groza signed the contract that paid him a $500 per month stipend until the end of the war and a $7,500 per year annual salary.

Groza played for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 through 1967. However, he only played tackle for the club from 1946 through 1959. During that span, Groza started 152 out of 170 games. Groza earned the nickname “The Toe” for being the team’s placekicker as well as a starting tackle. However in Groza’s own words, “Kicking was something I did because I had the talent. I always considered myself a tackle.”

Ironically, the Cleveland Rams (yes, the current Los Angeles Rams originated in Cleveland) made the decision to vacate Cleveland after the 1945 season. This left the city as “Browns Town”. And Groza was a key part of a team that won four AAFC championships and four NFL championships.

After sitting out the 1960 season due to an injury, Groza enjoyed the second act of his Browns career which encompassed an additional seven years as the team’s kicker.

Next. 5 worst first round draft picks for Browns since 1999. dark

Groza played in nine Pro Bowls and was a four-time All-Pro. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

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