Berea, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns selected Miami defensive end Chad Thomas with the 67th overall pick in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft Friday night.
The selection of Thomas comes following a trade with Indianapolis for the 64th pick – the last in round 2 – for 67 and No. 178 in the sixth round.
"We thought that Chad at 6-5, 275 pounds was one of the most physical defensive linemen in the draft," Browns vice president of player personnel Andrew Berry said. "We think his run defense will play immediately in the NFL as a left end in our system. He can kick down inside and rush the passer from inside, as well. We are really excited to add him to the team and think his best football is in front of him.”
In 4 seasons for the Hurricanes, Thomas totaled 103 tackles – 51 solo and 26.0 for loss, 10 sacks, 7 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
"No matter where I line up, I take pride in getting in the backfield," Thomas said. "On the d-line and in the trenches, you have to get in the backfield or get push back. That is on you.
"Being physical on the field is something I love to do and to legally hit somebody, that is something I take on the field every time I step on the grass."
It is expected that Thomas will step in a contribute immediately.
“We thought he was one of the most physical defensive linemen in the draft,” Berry said. “We think he’s a very talented, strong, athletic defensive lineman who can play multiple spots along our front. He is a player when we talk about setting the edge or keeping contained in the run-game, he can really put on a clinic tape of being able to do that at one of the end spots.
“He is just a strong, long, physical guy that uses his hands well.”
Thomas joins a few other alumni from the U currently employed by the Browns including assistant general manager Eliot Wolf, vice president of player personnel Alonzo Highsmith, running back Duke Johnson Jr., and tight end David Njoku.
"We may need to plant one of those University of Miami flags outside of the facility now," Berry joked.




