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Cleveland Browns: 3 players whose stock dropped at Training Camp

By Randy Gurzi

BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Offensive tackle Alex Taylor #67 and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. #71 of the Cleveland Browns work out during training camp at the Browns training facility on August 29, 2020 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 29: Offensive tackle Alex Taylor #67 and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. #71 of the Cleveland Browns work out during training camp at the Browns training facility on August 29, 2020 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 30: Running back D’Ernest Johnson #30 eludes defensive end Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns during training camp at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Chad Thomas, Defensive End

Like Damion Ratley, Chad Thomas is entering his third season in the NFL and seemed to be a favorite to land a roster spot. Also like Ratley, an injury slowed him down and opened the door for his competition to come in and possibly take his spot.

With Myles Garrett hurting early in camp, Thomas was running with the first team. Unfortunately, he hurt his neck and that allowed Porter Gustin to take his snaps. Gustin then came in and performed admirably, including a solid outing during the team’s live scrimmage at FirstEnergy Stadium.

For Thomas, this has to be frustrating after he took a step forward during 2019. With Olivier Vernon and Myles Garrett each missing six games, Thomas was able to get a lot of time on the field and he finished with 26 tackles and four sacks.

He was still a work in progress as evidenced by his ranking on Pro Football Focus (subscription required) which had him as the 102nd out of 103rd rated defensive end. However, what really hurt him was the poor run grade as he was improving in terms of getting after the quarterback.

Cleveland was also hoping Thomas could build upon his growth in this area heading into 2020 but with him slowed down to start camp — and with Gustin taking off — there’s a chance his role could be in jeopardy.

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