Why The Browns Should Consider Trading Joe Thomas
November 6, 2009
Junkyard has taken some shots from readers for recently suggesting the Browns trade Joe Thomas, their Pro Bowl offensive tackle.
Well, let’s lay out three reasons why we think it’s an idea worth considering:
1. Next to Tampa Bay and St. Louis, no team has as few talented players - and as little depth - as the Browns.
By trading Thomas, one of their best players, the Browns would have their best shot at stockpiling quality talent.
Let’s say the Browns could command a first- and second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and a first-rounder in 2011 for Thomas.
And that’s certainly a reasonable demand for a two-time Pro Bowl tackle.
Now, combine that haul with the Browns’ own first-round pick in the 2010 Draft, which will likely be a top-5 choice.
Then, add in the high draft selection the Browns should have in Round 2.
You’ve gone a long way towards solving - or at least properly addressing - the Browns biggest problem:
A flat-out lack of talented players.
2. The 2010 NFL Draft is considered to be a strong one for offensive tackles - making it a prime time to pick the NEXT Joe Thomas and collect other talent.
At least three offensive tackles - Russell Okung (Oklahoma State), Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) and Charles Brown (USC) - could be among the top 15 draft picks in 2010.
So, if there’s any year to pick up a talented tackle to replace Thomas - and stock up on players by trading him - it’s 2010.
3. The Browns offense has steadily regressed since Thomas’ first Pro Bowl season as a 2007 rookie.
Obviously, that’s not Thomas’ fault. He’s been a fine player.
But it’s a clear sign that he’s not a TOTALLY irreplaceable player, either.
Reality has shown that the Browns need a lot more than Joe Thomas just to become an AVERAGE offensive team.
And trading Thomas - if reluctantly - is the Browns best way to get the overall pieces they need for a decent offense.
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