4 Browns defensive players that shined in preseason opener

Defensive Standout No. 2: Isaiah Thomas

Things are heating up in the defensive end room. While the Browns, and the rest of the NFL, already know who their starters are, the backend of the defensive end rotation is an open question. Well, you can definitely add Isaiah Thomas’ name to the list of potential rotational players after Friday night’s performance.

The seventh-round rookie out of Oklahoma announced his presence with authority notching two sacks in the preseason opener. Thomas’ first sack came on the Jaguars’ first drive of the second quarter when he was able to turn the edge on a third and three to bring down Luton and force a punt. Thomas showed good leverage and use of his hands to win on the play.

Thomas’ second sack came late in the fourth quarter. The rookie pushed up-field on Jacksonville’s left tackle, Coy Cronk, but kept his eyes on the ball and made an inside move as the quarterback stepped up in the pocket. It should be noted that Luton held the ball too long on the play, but it did show great awareness and football IQ from Thomas.

It was an excellent first showing from the rookie. The Browns certainly have a type when it comes to defensive ends, and Thomas fits that mold. At 6-foot-5 and 270-pounds, Thomas has the physical makeup that the Browns covet and when you add his effort from Friday night it is not hard to imagine the rookie winding up as the team’s fifth defensive end.