Tag Archives: Andrew Thomas

Browns address offensive, defensive line in mock

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Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports put together a two-round mock draft and has the Cleveland Browns taking offensive and defensive lineman.

After a run of mock drafts that had Isaiah Simmons going to Cleveland at 10, the pendulum swung back just a bit. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports has the Cleveland Browns selecting Andrew Thomas and Justin Madubuike in his latest mock draft.

Trapasso explained Andrew Thomas at 10

This should be an absolute slam dunk for the Browns. Andrew Thomas has franchise left tackle tools and the Browns still need a game-changer at that position.

There are not any flaws in his logic. Cleveland needs a left tackle and Andrew Thomas certainly fills that need. Some of the motivation in this pick could be due to the run of tackles that go later in Round 1. While multiple tackles may get selected later in Round 1, it may be to teams that do not currently own that pick. Seems to be more of a trade up scenario from teams in Round 2 after selecting a player at a different position in Round 1.

The pick of Justin Madubuike is interesting to say the least.

Madubuike needs to get a half-step quicker, but he’s NFL-ready with his pass-rushing maneuvers, and he’s strong.

This really feels like trying to slot a player into a draft position rather than to a specific team. Maduibike could end up being a good player, but the Browns do not have an immediate need for a player at his position. It seems more likely that the Browns would go with a different position at 41 or perhaps even trade up or down if there is a specific player they are targeting.

Andrew Thomas to the Browns at 10 in mock draft

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A mock draft from USA Today has the Cleveland Browns making a fairly obvious pick, Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas.

A brand new mock draft from USA Today has the Cleveland Browns doing something completely expected. Drafting an offensive tackle. The tackle in question? Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. Here is the reasoning from mock draft creator Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz.

Emphasizing stability over flash, Cleveland’s new regime has made it clear it wants to employ a steady approach toward building its roster and supporting Baker Mayfield. That might lead them to Thomas, an experienced blocker who has already handled an assortment of pro-level pass rushers.

There is no real fault in the logic here. Cleveland needs stability and drafting a position like offensive tackle could help them build for the future. Andrew Thomas has been a popular pick for the Browns in multiple mock drafts and this is just the latest to join that group.

Andrew Thomas is the second tackle to be selected in this mock draft. The only other tackle going ahead of Thomas is Jedrick Wills Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals two picks earlier. Only one tackle going ahead of Thomas gives the Browns plenty of options to consider at 10th overall.

Three other tackles go after Thomas in the 1st round according to this mock. Mekhi Becton goes one pick later to the New York Jets as they are looking for someone to keep Sam Darnold upright. Tampa is looking for some help protect Tom Brady as they select Tristan Wirfs at 14. The final tackle to go in Round 1 is Josh Jones to the Dolphins four picks later.

Will the Cleveland Browns actually draft Andrew Thomas? Maybe, maybe not. Matt Miller reported that trading down and selecting Javon Kinlaw is a possibility for Cleveland. There is also the slight possibility that they select Isaiah Simmons if he is still on the board. Drafting an offensive tackle seems obvious, but the Browns can really consider all options available to them when it is time for the NFL Draft.

Browns trade up to take Isaiah Simmons in mock

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The Cleveland Browns are going in a different direction in the latest mock draft from USA Today, trading up for Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.

This might not be the most popular selection for some, but the reality is the Cleveland Browns have a giant hole at the linebacker position. Trading up for Isaiah Simmons needs to be considered and that is just what Nate Davis of USA Today has the Browns doing in his latest mock draft.

Davis has Cleveland trading all the way up to 5th overall and taking the talented Clemson linebacker. Speculating that the 10 and 41 picks would be able to make the trade up possible. This trade is the result of a different trade that happened before it. The Chargers moving up to 3rd overall to take Tua Tagovailoa resulting in Miami looking to trade down for the right package.

Most mock drafts right now have Cleveland taking tackle prospect Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. While taking Isaiah Simmons does not address the vacancy at left tackle, taking a difference maker on defense can go a long way . The team has too many holes to limit their draft plans to just one position with their first pick. Right now Cleveland needs quality over quantity. High quality talents instead of a lot of average to good talents. If that means bypassing tackle at 10 and trading up in order to get what many view as a blue chip player in Simmons so be it.

There are other avenues to improve the offensive lines besides the 10th overall pick.

Cleveland does have other picks in the draft and maybe they could find a way to trade a player in order to move up with one of their 3rd rounders to get back into Round 2. Free agency and the trade market are also options for Cleveland, but they may not be all that realistic at this point in time. Cleveland already spent heavy in free agency and the potential lineman available via trade seem to have a steep asking price.

If the Browns somehow comes away with a player like Isaiah Simmons that would be a huge win. Cleveland needs help on the defensive side of the ball in the worst way and this would certainly address that. Some longterm stability on defense besides Myles Garrett is desperately needed and Isaiah Simmons could certainly provide it.

Browns: Mock drafts having same pick is familiar

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The recent surge of most NFL mock drafts having the Cleveland Browns selecting Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas is quite familiar.

Josh Edwards, Charlie Casserly, R.J. White, Ryan Wilson, Chris Trapasso, and countless others have made the connection between the Cleveland Browns and Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas. Even though the number of tackles taken ahead and after him change, Thomas to Cleveland remains a constant. This is something that feels quite familiar, almost like I’ve seen it before. Mock drafts connecting Cleveland to one specific player when they do not have the top pick in the draft. It was bugging me for awhile, then I remembered where I have seen this before.

The 2015 NFL Draft

Cleveland’s first pick was 12th overall and up to a certain point the opinions changed over who they would take. As the draft drew nearer, most mock drafts came down to one option, Danny Shelton. It was a very popular choice among those who put mock drafts together, Danny Shelton to the Browns was destined to happen.

SB Nation put together a consensus of the all the mock drafts and a staggering 60% had the Browns taking Danny Shelton. Shelton was tied with Trae Waynes to Minnesota as the third-highest consensus. These two were the only picks outside side of the first two selections to be this high. Only Jameis Winston to Tampa Bay (100%) and Marcus Mariota to Tennessee (65%) were higher. Shelton even got 10% to Cleveland at 19th overall, (the Browns ended up taking Cameron Erving with that selection who did not appear as an option).

Does this increased momentum toward the Cleveland Browns drafting Andrew Thomas really mean anything? Not really. This is just an interesting parallel that I observed with what is happening now and what happened five years ago. The fact that so many people are confident that Cleveland will take one specific player when nine other selections are ahead of them is quite interesting. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.

Browns take Andrew Thomas in Trapasso’s mock

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This is just the lastest mock draft that has the Cleveland Browns addressing their offensive line by taking Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft and is just the latest to have the Cleveland Browns selecting Andrew Thomas.

Trapasso explained his choice below.

This should be an easy pick for the Browns, as Thomas is a long, SEC-tested stud on the left side who’s a bulldozer in the run game and improved as a pass blocker in 2019.

Trapasso’s reasoning is a bit refreshing. Instead of focusing on where the Browns have issues, he describes Thomas’ abilities as a left tackle. Perhaps this is because everyone is very much aware that the Browns offensive line was awful last season. Cleveland already addressed the right tackle position by signing Jack Conklin, drafting Andrew Thomas hopefully fixed the left tackle position.

There are two other tackles taken ahead of Thomas in this mock. At fourth overall the New York Giants take Tristan Wirfs out of Iowa. Arizona provides Kyler Murray with some protection by selecting Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr. Only two more tackles are taken in the first round. San Francisco drafting massive line prospect Mekhi Becton 13th overall. The other? Washington taking the hopeful repayment for Trent Williams in Ezra Cleveland at 26.

Other mock drafts with Andrew Thomas to Cleveland

Charlie Casserly’s mock

R.J. White’s mock

Ryan Wilson’s mock

Josh Edwards mock

Andrew Thomas to Browns in CBS mock draft

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R.J. White of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft and has the Cleveland Browns making a popular selection in Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.

From a far away perspective it seems like this pick is sort of falling into place. As mock drafts continue to be released, more and more of them have the Cleveland Browns drafting Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. R.J. White of CBS Sports released his latest mock and has the Browns taking the talented tackle prospect.

R.J. White explains the pick.

The Browns land a left tackle to pair with big free-agent signing Jack Conklin and give the offensive line the upgrade it desperately needs.

White is exactly right. Cleveland needs to find someone opposite of Jack Conklin on the offensive line. Left tackle is the weakest position on the offensive line at this moment in time. Right guard is other the weak position, but left tackle is more of a pressing need.

White has three lineman going ahead of Thomas in his mock. Jedrick Wills Jr. going to the Giants fourth overall. Arizona gets projection for Kyler Murray in Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs eighth overall. Jacksonville opts to go with massive line prospect Mekhi Becton one pick before Cleveland at nine.

If the draft does see three lineman get drafted before Cleveland gets to pick they may trade down. It is about getting the best possible prospect for their draft position and if it happens to be the fourth-best tackle prospect at 10 it may have the Browns looking in a different direction.

Other mock drafts recently released that have the Browns drafting Andrew Thomas.

Charlie Cassserly’s mock
Josh Edwards’ mock
Ryan Wilson’s three-round mock

Browns address offensive line in Casserly’s mock

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Charlie Casserly has released his latest mock draft and has the Cleveland Browns addressing a clear area of need, offensive line.

Left tackle is still a need for the Cleveland Browns. Charlie Casserly has Cleveland addressing that in his latest mock draft. With the 10th overall pick Cleveland selects offensive tackle from Georgia, Andrew Thomas. Thomas is becoming quite a popular pick for Cleveland in mock drafts.

Casserly explained the pick.

With big-ticket free-agent signee Jack Conklin at right tackle and Thomas manning the blind side, the Browns would have a pair of bookends to protect 2018’s No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield, in the quarterback’s pivotal third year.

This is pretty solid reasoning from Casserly. Cleveland already found the replacement for Chris Hubbard in Jack Conklin, but still need to find a left tackle. Thomas could be the left tackle of the future if they indeed go that route in the draft.

Only one tackle goes ahead of Thomas in Casserly’s mock, Mekhi Becton goes fourth overall to the New York Giants. Four other offensive lineman are taken after Thomas. Jedrick Wills goes to the Jets just one pick after Thomas. Tampa Bay finds some protection for their new quarterback Tom Brady in Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs. Miami selects Austin Jackson with the 26th overall pick. Finally Tennessee takes Joshua Jones at the end of Round 1.

Josh Edwards has Browns drafting Andrew Thomas

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Josh Edwards of CBS Sports released his latest mock draft and has the Cleveland Browns selecting offensive tackle Andrew Thomas out of Georgia.

This is a selection that is only gaining more and more traction, Andrew Thomas to the Browns at 10th overall. Even the signing of Jack Conklin has not changed the mind of anyone when it comes to Cleveland’s approach in the draft. CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has continued this trend and has the Browns taking the Georgia tackle at 10 in his latest mock draft.

Here is why Edwards mocked Thomas to the Browns at 10th overall.

Cleveland has added right tackle Jack Conklin and tight end Austin Hooper in free agency. By adding Thomas, they solidify the offensive line. Offensive tackle was a weakness for Cleveland last year but it has turned into a 2020 strength. Thomas has been Pro Football Focus’ top offensive tackle for awhile.

A continuation of solidifying the offensive line makes a ton of sense. The Browns offense line was atrocious last season and did not do anyone any favors. Protecting Baker Mayfield and creating running lanes for Nick Chubb appear to be a priority.

There are other options for the Browns. Maybe the new regime in Cleveland will select the one player who slides in the draft (there’s always one). Defense could be an option depending on how the picks in front of them fall into place. Trading back is always under consideration with where their pick is (10) and how many assume the front office will operate.

Nobody is quite sure the direction the Browns will go in on draft day.

Browns picks in three round mock draft

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The Cleveland Browns have made some interesting moves in free agency and that has played a factor in Ryan Wilson’s mock draft.

10. Andrew Thomas OT Georgia

With the 10th pick Wilson has the Browns taking Andrew Thomas. This is as expected. Cleveland still needs help on the offensive line and Wilson states that in his reasoning for the pick.

The team signed RT Jack Conklin in free agency. Chris Hubbard could move from RT to RG and Andrew Thomas would be the Browns starting LT on Day 1. Maybe this is the year it all comes together for Cleveland.

Jack Conklin is the new right tackle, but left tackle is still a giant question mark. Cleveland could obviously opt to go in different directions depending on the first nine picks go. A trade down or defensive option could be in the cards for Cleveland on draft day.

41. Ashtyn Davis S California

The Cleveland Browns realized the safety position was one of need in free agency, resulting in the team signing two of them, Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo. Joseph and Sendejo are not long term or dependable options which is why Wilson has Cleveland drafting a safety in Round 2.

The Browns need to do some work on each level of the defense, and here they get one of the draft’s most talented safeties to play a key role.

The reasoning from Ryan Wilson is solid. Cleveland’s defense has holes and drafting Ashtyn Davis could improve a unit devoid of talent.

74. Justin Madubuike DL Texas A & M

This pick is interesting. Justin Madubuike is an intriguing prospect and Cleveland should look into Madubuike if he is available.

The Browns brought Andrew Billings in for depth at defensive tackle, but the talented Madubuike is too good to pass up in Round 3

As noted by Wilson, Cleveland did just sign Andrew Billings, but it was a one-year deal. It is also worth considering the current options on their defense line. Larry Ogunjobi has been trending downward and Sheldon Richardson’s stay with the Browns has a clear end date. The team needs to prepare for life post-Ogunjobi and post-Richardson. It is better to have too many options on the defensive line than not enough. The latter being the current state of affairs in Cleveland.

97. Shane Lemieux OL Oregon

As noted above with the selection of Andrew Thomas, the Cleveland Browns have issues on their offensive line. If Cleveland selects Thomas that leaves on starting position up for grabs, right guard. Perhaps Shane Lemieux could challenge Wyatt Teller at right guard.

The Browns should use all avenues to upgrade the offensive line, from FA to trading to finding talent throughout the draft, and here they get someone to compete on the interior.

Even if Lemieux cannot beat out Teller, it does not hurt to have a backup capable of filling in on multiple spots on the line. Lemieux moved all around the line at Oregon and could provide the Browns with some flexibility if there is an injury or lackluster performance from a regular starter.

Bucky Brooks has Browns drafting Andrew Thomas

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Bucky Brooks released his third mock draft and has the Cleveland Browns addressing their offensive line by drafting Georgia’s Andrew Thomas.

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has released another mock draft, but the pick remains the same. Brooks has the Cleveland Browns selecting Georgia left tackle Andrew Thomas.

Here is the reasoning from Brooks on mocking Thomas to the Browns.

The Browns need another rock-solid edge blocker in the starting lineup.

This is sound logic from Brooks. Cleveland really needs help on their offensive line and selecting a tackle 10th overall could be on the table. Looking at their other needs (linebacker, safety) and how those positions fall in this draft, selecting a tackle makes sense here.

There are two tackles that are selected ahead of Thomas. The New York Giants take Jedrick Wills Jr. 4th overall and the Los Angeles Chargers take Tristan Wirfs 5th.

Three tackles are taken after Thomas at 10. Mekhi Becton is mocked to the Colts with the 13th pick, Seattle selects Austin Jackson 27th overall, and Green Bay takes Josh Jones 30th.

The goal for Cleveland is to improve their roster. If this is how the draft falls in April drafting a tackle makes sense. If for some reason a player at a different position of need is still on the board Cleveland could very well consider drafting someone who is not an offensive lineman. There is also the possibility that the Browns trade down. Considering those who are in charge that possibility could very well become a reality.