NFL Mock Draft: Browns Select Joe Thomas No. 3

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

Picking third works out quite well for the Browns. They can rest assured of getting either Joe Thomas or Adrian Peterson, and they might even get a chance at JaMarcus Russell or Calvin Johnson if the draft takes an unexpected turn. But with Russell and Calvin Johnson off the board, Joe Thomas is the pick. He's easily the best offensive tackle in the draft based purely on talent, but he also has the plus-plus makeup as well--read Fanhouse Blogger Bruce Ciskie's explanation of how he tore his ACL for more info on Thomas' makeup.

The Browns offensive line has been a liability for years, but last year was an especially putrid performance. The return of Ryan Tucker from emotional problems to pair with Kevin Shaffer gives the Browns an adequate pair of tackles, but neither is a franchise player. By drafting Thomas, the Browns will finally have the left tackle they can slide in and not worry about for most of the next decade. He has the long arms to stone pass rushers and the agility to block linebackers when needed. With Eric Steinbach added at guard, the Browns would all of a sudden have an offensive line they could be proud of. If you watch Thomas play, his upper body strength is quickly apparent--he can knock defenders down with a strong pop.Taking Adrian Peterson is tempting, but the Browns can still land a quality tailback to pair with Jamal Lewis in later rounds, and the drop-off at offensive tackle in this draft is more significant than the drop-off at tailback. Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn does understand defenses, but the Browns have too many leaks in the roof to start worrying about buying a new HDTV--they have to get the foundation of the team--the offensive and defensive lines--fixed. Then they can groom a young quarterback without him worrying about running for his life.

The Skinny
Team Needs: OL, DL, RB, QB, CB
Player Selected: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Also Considered: QB Brady Quinn, RB Adrian Peterson, DE/OLB Gaines Adams.

Previous Picks:
No. 1 Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
No. 2 Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
No. 3 Browns: Joe Thomas
No. 4 Buccaneers: Next