Logo by coltsfan723

Earl Thomas, S - Texas

Pick made by 2ndBlueGeneration:

The Browns have a lot of holes; quarterback, running back, and cornerback noteably. The Cleveland secondary was torched last season and needs to get better in a division where they see Big Ben, [Joe] Flacco, and [Carson] Palmer twice a year. [CB Joe] Haden was a possibility, but this is a deep CB class where good value can be found in rounds 2-4. So that means safety, and the Browns get the best ball-skills safety in the draft. Thomas provides a much needed boost of athleticism and speed to the Cleveland secondary. Further, Thomas is an excellent tackler with excellent lateral pursuit. Although Thomas needs to gain some strength, but his football IQ and leg strength should compensate as he develops.  

 

While this pick may seem like a reach right now, I concur with Mike Maylock that Thomas is actually the best safety in the draft. Thomas's stock continues to rise over the next month and a half, so I see this pick being more common come April. It also helps that Cleveland hosted Thomas in a private workout this afternoon.

If Thomas is taken #7 by the Browns, it would be the first DB taken in the first round by the Browns since 1994 (the now Ravens), when they drafted Antonio Langham #9 overall.  He will also be 9th player from Texas since 1999 taken in the first 7 picks. That's pretty good.

Thomas's Scouting Report from Mocking the Draft

The Raiders, and LovinBlue, are on the clock...