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Cleveland Browns: 3 Surprise game-changing players in 2020

By Frank Teriaca

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 20: JoJo Natson #19 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 20: JoJo Natson #19 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Chad Thomas, DE

Second-year defensive end Chad Thomas started to come on strong toward the end of last season. The former third-round pick out of Miami, Thomas had four sacks and 26 tackles during his second season in the league.

Steve Wilks, the former Browns defensive coordinator, appreciated Thomas’ work last season.

"“I think he does a tremendous job playing the 6-technique … and I think he has been decent in the pass rush,” Wilks said. “He is quick off the ball, and he has great acceleration.” -Steve Wilks, via ClevelandBrowns.com"

Finally armed with the confidence that he can play in this league after sitting out most of his rookie season, Thomas could flourish in 2020. With a healthy Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon on the field, Thomas can rotate with them and come in on third down, pass-rushing situations.

An uptick in Thomas’ play would be welcomed by the Cleveland Browns as they did not really address the pass-rushing aspect of its roster this offseason aside from the addition of Adrian Clayborn. Thomas should get an abundant opportunity to prove what he can do.

Next. 5 Biggest challenges Cleveland Browns face in 2020. dark

And who knows, with a stellar third season under his belt and Vernon being in a contract year, Thomas could wind up being a starter on the opposite end of Myles Garrett in 2021.

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