No big surprise here. Joe Thomas dominated the voting. The numbers above show the summary after votes for 2nd and 3rd were added in as well, but rest assured Joe got nearly every single 1st place vote before his backups were voted on.
Just in case you don’t remember, Thomas was the first Browns left tackle in the Pro Bowl since Doug Dieken in 1980. Thomas has been to the Pro Bowl his first five seasons in the league. He was picked third in the 2007 NFL draft by GM Phil Savage. In 2011, Thomas signed a 7-year extension with the Browns for $84 million.
Ross Verba played with the Browns from 2001-2004. While Browns fans apparently remember Verba rather fondly, he didn’t leave on good terms. Verba requested his release from the Browns after they signed L.J. Shelton. Verba was sitting out of training camp at the time looking for a reported $38.5 million over five years. The Browns were apparently not interested.
Third was Kevin Shaffer who also wasn’t the Browns fans’ favorite guy. Shaffer eventually moved to right tackle for the Browns after Joe Thomas was drafted. Shaffer was eventually released by the Browns in an apparent business move that wasn’t that smart. Ryan Tucker ended up playing right tackle, but the Browns paid Shaffer a lot of dead money when in hindsight they could have used him.
Lomas Brown played 1999 with the Browns as the inaugural left tackle at age 36.
Roman Oben played 2000-01.
L.J. Shelton was signed and played for the Browns for 2005.
Barry Stokes played 2002-03.
As you can see, before Joe Thomas was drafted there was a frequently rotating cast of characters in the position.
Offensive Line - Left Tackle | Left Guard | Center | Right Guard | Right Tackle
Pass Catchers - Wide Receivers | Tight Ends
Runners - Running Backs | Fullbacks
