Charlie

Thomas

Cannella thrived in the UFL over the last two seasons, but didn’t produce enough in the preseason to justify a roster spot; at least to the Browns. Along with Cannella, Cleveland also waived CB Chigozie Anusiem, G Javion Cohen, T Sebastian Gutierrez, DE K.J. Henry, DT Ralph Holley, CB Christian Holmes, CB Keenan Isaac, T Jason Ivey, DE Titus Leo, LB Marvin Moody, CB Darius Rush, LB Charlie Thomas III, T Lorenzo Thompson, G Dartanyan Tinsley, TE Mitchell Van Vooren and C Bucky Williams.

Thomas (6’3/216) is a former high school defensive back who converted to linebacker upon arriving at Georgia Tech. He earned a starting role as a true freshman and went on to start in each of the following four seasons. Thomas’ height combined with a slight frame makes him look more like a safety – which he could eventually convert to – and works against him at times. He can be easily overpowered by run blockers but can burst from sideline to sideline with the best of them. His lack of size probably didn’t do him many favors against larger backs and tight ends, which could be evidenced by his 13.4 percent missed tackle rate. Despite being labeled as a linebacker, Thomas also spent a lot of time as a nickel, displaying good defensive versatility.