Thurmond is a starting quality cornerback in this league. So is Maxwell. Our castoff, Will Blackmon, is a quality NFL corner too, had a key play for the Jags today that wound up being the difference in the winless-no-longer Jaguars first win. Go Gus!
Thurmond gives us a better cover guy than Browner, but agreed with a little less physicality, and a little less run support. Overall, the defense is just about as good with Thurmond in there as Browner.
Don't get me wrong, I love Browner's game and what he brings, it's just that I love Thurmond's game too. It's like "Option A1, or option A2?" They are both awesome. Thurmond will be more effective against very quick receivers, while Browner will be more effective against very physical receivers.