Cleveland Browns: 14 defensive line targets in free agency
By Sam Penix
11. Solomon Thomas – San Francisco 49ers -25
Solomon Thomas, the third overall pick in 2017 has had a very disappointing NFL career after a dominant 2016 for the Stanford Cardinal. Perhaps the main reason for this subpar performance has been his utilization; he played three-tech in college, but has been primarily an outside rusher in the NFL. He suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of last season, before which the 49ers declined his fifth-year option.
That disruptive player still exists, and if he’s moved back inside full-time, perhaps that player will appear once again. Thomas could be a low-risk high-reward option for the Browns, and they wouldn’t need to rely on him as a starter.
10. Johnathan Hankins – Las Vegas Raiders – 28
One of the better run defenders in the NFL, Hankins is not much of a rusher, but that’s never been his role at 6-2, 325 pounds. He just finished a two-year $8.5 million contract with the Raiders, and while he could be looking to start, perhaps (like most free agent this year) he’d be willing to sign for less this season and increase his value for the 2022 offseason. The Browns have Andrew Billings entrenched as the starting one-tech, but really do need a quality backup behind him.
9. Adam Butler – New England Patriots – 26
An undrafted free agent out of Vanderbilt in 2017, Butler has turned into a decent player for the Patriots. He may not be an ideal starter, but as a backup, he’d be a solid option.