The Cleveland Browns’ best draft pick since 1999 isn’t a fan of the projected top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas has lost more games than he should have over the course of his career. He also had to block for way too many quarterbacks over the years.
Of course stability and an upward trajectory would help things in Cleveland. Poor decision-making among many others reasons have led the Browns to their current state and why so few wins have been earned since Thomas has been drafted.
Yes, it is unfortunate to see Thomas not play for a better organization over the years and it is evident the time is ticking on his playing career.
On Wednesday, Thomas was a guest on ESPN‘s Golic and Wingo where he discussed key decisions the Browns will have to make. Given the list of QBs he’s had to work with, it is very understandable why his approach to the offseason is the way it is:
“I would sign @KirkCousins8 and draft the best players at 1 and 4.... Saquon Barkley and the best defensive player.”
— Keyshawn, JWill & Max (@KeyJayandMax) January 24, 2018
- @joethomas73 pic.twitter.com/CE7pmTmUIa
It’s hard to argue with this mindset. Not only is a quarterback not the preferred pick at one, it is not the pick either at four. Thomas wants Cleveland to sign Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins and then understandably add the best possible talents in the first round.
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To land Cousins, a $25-30 million/year contract will have to be agreed upon. Thomas is not in a position to wait on another rookie quarterback like USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Wyoming’s Josh Allen, or Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield.
By going with Thomas’ route, Cleveland set themselves up for every position to be considered. Yes, the offense needs a lot of work and by drafting Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, they would have drafted the top offensive player in the draft.
I like how Thomas said best defensive player because that player could be at a number of different spots. Whether it is Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, NC State DE Bradley Chubb, or someone else, adding a quality talent there would help set their foundation more on defense.
Could it be that with Thomas’ statements, if everything were to work be planned this way that he could be returning? There’s a case to be made for both sides of that discussion. While Thomas looks skinnier in the tweet above, he is recovering from surgery and would add back that muscle mass later this year.
It will be a tough but not impossible task to add Cousins. By adding him or another veteran quarterback, maybe Cleveland actually wins some games next year.
While Cousins is very talented, any quarterback playing with Barkley would be able to help Cleveland’s offense. There are about five or six logical scenarios Cleveland could pursue this offseason and for good reasons, this should be one of them.
By adding Cousins and Barkley, hopefully, another tackle and multiple wide receivers are added too. Barkley is the next star in the making running back following Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, and others.
Next: Rumors: WKU QB Mike White on the Browns' radar
Although he has a great personality and likes the media aspect, one has to wonder, would he seriously consider joining Cleveland’s or another team’s front office in some capacity? Thomas may be onto something.