Chad

Thomas

The 67th overall pick at the top of the third round in 2018, Thomas appeared in just four games as a rookie but did manage four sacks across 16 appearances last year. He didn’t test that well at the Combine, but Thomas can play along the defensive line at 6'5/278, so he should get another look elsewhere.

Thomas was carted off and taken to a local hospital. It had the looks of a serious injury, but the Browns were taking extra caution and he was back at team facilities a few hours later. Thomas should be back at practice relatively soon.

He was immobilized and taken off on a stretcher after injuring his neck. It was a scary scene, though the good news is that Thomas still had feeling in all his extremities. He’s been transported to University Hospital in Cleveland for further evaluation. The 2018 third-rounder didn’t see the field as a rookie.

Thomas (6’5/281) made 33 starts on the Hurricanes’ defensive line, logging 26 career tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Thomas’ average athleticism was exposed at the Combine with 4.92 speed and a 29-inch vertical. Long armed (33 ½") and capable of playing multiple positions, Thomas was viewed as a boom-bust player by NFL scouts after underachieving as a five-star recruit to Miami.

Thomas will miss minicamp and be questionable for the start of training camp. He should be ready to roll some time in the next two months but no amount of missed time is a good thing for the No. 67 overall pick. A below-average athlete by NFL standards, Thomas’ calling cards are his long arms and versatility. He needs time to develop and settle in.