Chad Thomas joins a solid Browns defense. Cleveland finished 14th in the NFL last season in total defense. They allowed 328.1 yards per game. Cleveland was 16th against the run, 19th against the pass and sacking the quarterback.
The Browns seem to like Thomas’ versatility and ability against the run. He is slated for left defensive end. Thomas’ lack of dominance as a pass rusher has been one of the criticisms against him throughout the pre-draft analysis.
Thomas’ numbers improved significantly under Manny Diaz’s more aggressive get up the field system than previous Hurricanes’ Defensive Coordinator Mark D’Onofrio’s read and react.