Cleveland Browns select Oklahoma defensive end Isaiah Thomas in 2022 NFL Draft

The Cleveland Browns are hoping it has found a steal in Oklahoma defensive end Isaiah Thomas. After a relatively small role his first three seasons in Norman, Thomas spent the past two seasons as a starter where he showed flashes of pro potential.

That’s why Browns selected him 223rd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, launching his journey in the league.

Thomas was a second team All-Big 12 selection each of the past two seasons according to both coaches and media. He proved a problem for opposing quarterbacks, totaling a combined 16.5 sacks in 2020 and 2021, leading the Sooners in that category both years. He also totaled four forced fumbles, three of which came this past season.

Joining Oklahoma in 2017 as a four-star recruit, Isaiah Thomas ranked as the No. 30 edge defender and No. 298 overall player according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was a highly sought after recruit, also receiving offers from Alabama, Texas A&M, Baylor and many others.

NFL.com scouting report on Isaiah Thomas

If it weren’t obvious from his sack numbers, one of Thomas’ biggest strengths is his ability to get to the quarterback. According to the NFL.com scouting report, he does this with his quickness and patience in knowing when to attack.

“Long, rangy 4-3 defensive end with pass-rush talent to be cultivated, but a lack of stoutness at the point of attack,” analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. “Thomas’ field movements are a bit gawky and segmented but can also be effective. He combines efficient hands and an instinctive feel for advantageous angles to grease the edge and attack the pocket. He needs to build his lower half to improve rush consistency against physical tackles, though. Thomas’ length and pass-rush talent could help him find sub-package snaps while he attempts to develop into a starting-caliber end.”