Grading the NY Giants’ first-round selection of Andrew Thomas
By Ross O'Keefe
The NY Giants shocked many – but not the informed – when they selected former Georiga offensive tackle, Andrew Thomas, with the #4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The left tackle of the future for the NY Giants.
New York has taken yet another shot in the top-10 at an offensive tackle that can be a mauler from day one. Andrew Thomas, a 6’5″ 315 tackle from Georgia fits the bill the NY Giants wanted at left tackle all of this offseason.
His outstanding arm length (36 1/8 inches) and natural athletic ability blend perfectly with his impossibly strong run-blocking tape. Despite some athletic shortcomings and technical limitations, Thomas is projected to start at left tackle for the NY Giants with Nate Solder likely sliding over to the right side.
This makes a lot of sense given Thomas has primarily played left tackle in college and despite a slightly better fit on the other side give his run-blocking prowess, switching sides may prove too much trouble.
Thomas isn’t the cleanest pass-blocker on earth but gets the job done and his arm length is a big part of that. With time and proper coaching, Thomas should line up as a long-term starter.
As for what I think about the pick, I have mixed feelings, but I am optimistic. While Thomas is a decent value at a position of need, I feel New York could have taken Alabama (now Browns) offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, instead.
The Browns landed Jedrick Wills much further down and got a similar value while Big Blue could have added draft picks from a trade down if one was there. Thomas was more technically sound and presented a safer pick than Wills, even though he was not as physically gifted. The big positive with Thomas is that left tackle is his natural position and if he can start there for a decade he is truly worth his weight in gold.
Next. 5 Terrific players left for the NY Giants at pick #36. dark
Overall with all things considered, I give the selection of Andrew Thomas a solid grade as the NY Giants now have a bonafide left tackle of the future with very low bust potential. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley should begin to reap the benefits immediately.