Written by Dave Kolonich

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Continuing the Gradual Process theme of the past couple months and the Way Back theme of the past couple days, comes that sometimes seminal moment of the summer when the Sporting News releases their annual list of the 100 best NFL players. 

In terms of pure moment in time evaluation, there is little better than seeing members of our beloved Browns ranked among the league’s best.  From a talent standpoint, any progressive indicator is most validating – at least until that day when the overall franchise makes its long-awaited return to prominence.

However, today is not that day.

But, late June being what it is – we’ll have to settle for this instead…  

Prisco’s Top 25 Player Rankings

20. Joe Thomas, T, Cleveland Browns: He is a diamond on a bad team. He is a tough-guy tackle who has excelled from the time he started as a rookie. As the Browns improve, his talent will be more appreciated.

And that my friends, is the list.

Were you expecting anything different?

Thomas’ inclusion is a no-brainer.  Despite a bit of a 2008 slump, Thomas improved tremendously in 2009 – both in his pass protection and run blocking, which at times was just devastating.  And like Prisco points out, Thomas will no doubt receive more attention as the Browns improve in the league standings.

Because it is a popularity contest, after all.

However, in terms of the Browns as a single entity, I think it’s quite possible that most of us overlook Thomas.  Possibly because of the nature of offensive linemen and the kind of “no attention is good attention” dynamic of their position, Thomas gets overlooked.  Because he is not giving up multiple sacks or getting flagged for holding and false starts, and because the run game looks a lot smoother when it moves in his direction – it’s easy to forget just how important Thomas is.

Or, in other words – just compare the rotating door at left tackle before Thomas entered the league.

While the Browns’ offense has performed at historically inept levels over the past two seasons, things could be far worse without the play of Thomas.

This alone should rocket Thomas up a few more spots on anyone’s list.

13. Ryan Clady, T, Denver Broncos: He’s the best pass-blocking tackle in the game. He owns the left side. He did suffer an offseason knee injury that is a concern, but the Broncos think he will be ready.

So, here’s the question – we all know how valuable Thomas is to the Browns, but for the sake of comparison – what makes Ryan Clady the better tackle?

As Prisco notes, is the lack of team success the thing keeping Thomas from being ranked higher?  Or, in a league that is becoming a glorified form of flag football – is it the Browns’ dismal passing game that is being held against Thomas?

Certainly, the idea of overall team quality influencing these rankings is a profound one.  Besides Thomas and Clady, the only other linemen ranked in Prisco’s top 50 include Jake Long, Nick Mangold, Jahri Evans, Steve Hutchinson and Michael Oher – all players who have recently experienced some playoff success. 

Perhaps a similar fate awaits Alex Mack, who will likely vault into Mangold territory with another strong season – assuming the Browns are able to win a few more games in 2010. 

From a talent standpoint, Mack is already pretty close.  Much like Thomas, Mack has quick feet, great upper body strength and solid technique.  And just like Thomas, Mack is part of an offense that struggles to score points.

Speaking of scoring – there is one glaring omission from Prisco’s list.

All homerism aside, a list of the league’s 50 best players has to include Josh Cribbs – if for no other reason than as an endorsement for the value of special teams.

From a pure talent standpoint, there are few players in the league who can boast the dynamic set of skills that Cribbs has flashed for years now.  From an exclusively Browns’ perspective, there was no player who gave the team a better chance to win in 2009 than Cribbs.

Beyond his record-breaking return performance, Cribbs gave the Browns solid field position in nearly every game, contributed on kick coverage and began to break through offensively towards the end of the season.

With an increased offensive role in 2010 – I assume – Cribbs should no doubt break the ceiling of this – and several other lists in 2010.

Or break open the floodgates – but only if the Browns make an improbable playoff run.