Browns fans are all too familiar with players with the last name Thomas.
Chad Thomas, who is entering his third NFL season, is primed for a breakout season for the Cleveland Browns.
If Chad Thomas can perform half as well as Joe Thomas, the Browns will be excited.
Although Joe played on the opposite side of the ball, soon Joe will hopefully be recognizing Chad for his impressive efforts on the field.
Even Joe had an impressive athletic performance off the field recently.
Nevertheless, Chad should be ready for a career-high in snaps in addition to many other statistics this season.
What Makes Thomas the Browns Player that can Surprise in the NFL This Season?
After playing just four games in his rookie season, Thomas made a huge jump in his sophomore NFL year.
In Week 11’s 21-7 Browns victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas had his first pass defended of his NFL career.
He also had this impressive sack:
Chad Thomas with a huge sack on 3rd down.
— Everything Cleveland (@EverythingCLE_) November 15, 2019
Then, in the first game of Myles Garrett’s 2019 suspension, this is how Thomas stepped up:
The #Browns highest-graded player* on defense vs. #FinsUp was Chad Thomas (89.9). Among 51 qualifying WK12 edge defenders only Khalil Mack posted a higher grade.
*min. 25 snaps pic.twitter.com/C1FqOXzSRv
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) November 25, 2019
Although Thomas did not record a sack in the game, he had two of his five tackles go for losses.
Unfortunately, during the following week, he played just 39 percent of Browns’ defensive snaps.
That stopped a streak of playing at least 40 snaps in three consecutive games for the first time in his NFL career.
Overall, Thomas played just 44 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps in 2019.
However, he still had a strong year.
In 2019, Thomas had the following statistics in 16 games, eight of which that he started: four sacks, 36 combined tackles, and four quarterback hits.
Only two players on Cleveland had more sacks last year: Garrett and Olivier Vernon.
The 6-5 defensive end, who is 278 pounds, could be well on his way to a Pro Bowl season in 2020 if he gets the snaps.
We do not know if Vernon will be donning a Browns jersey in 2020.
If Vernon is not with the Browns or is traded midseason, then Thomas will definitely be seeing the field more.
He ranked fourth in tackles for loss and seventh in quarterback hits last season.
How Should Browns Fans be Feeling about Thomas in 2020?
Thomas, who has a strong music interest, has an impressive following on two of the most popular social media platforms: Twitter and Instagram.
Chad “Major Nine” Thomas is both a music producer and rapper.
He also has more than 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube page.
Browns fans should be excited that their defensive end is so driven off the field.
The multi-talented Thomas will be an important part of why the Browns succeed in 2020.
When Thomas played at least 50 snaps, the Browns went 3-0 last season.
First-year head coach Kevin Stefanski will have plenty of weapons on offense and defense for the 2020 Browns.
If Stefanski can find the right formula on defense, Thomas can be a top defender this upcoming season.
As the 2020 season is nearing its finish, Thomas could be approaching double-digit sacks.
Maybe even Pro Bowl consideration could be a part of Thomas’ third season in the league.
Although a 2021 or 2022 Pro Bowl is more likely, Thomas will surely make an impact on the 2020 Browns.
NEXT: Is Signing Jadeveon Clowney Worth the Gamble for Cleveland?
