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.
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.