With the 4th overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the NY Giants selected OT Andrew Thomas out of the University of Georgia. But how does he compare to the other green offensive tackle also on his way to MetLife Stadium?
The interactions between the NY Giants and New York Jets are few and far between – once every four years to be exact if we’re only counting their regular season face-offs. Even last year’s Trade Deadline deal for DE Leonard Williams marked the first-ever transaction between them.
While they may share a stadium, the historical successes of these two NFL franchises are lopsided in the favor of the NY Giants. Will the same be said of the highly-touted offensive tackles they each drafted with their first-round picks?
The #Giants have always looked hard at tackle, and that’s exactly what they do: The first off the board at No. 4 is #Georgia LT Andrew Thomas. The cleanest and safest prospect of the tackles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 24, 2020
The offensive line has been a central point of concern for both teams, particularly for the NY Giants during these last six seasons. However, while Andrew Thomas’ size and ability have Big Blue fans excited for next season, Mekhi Becton’s uncommon speed for most athletes sizing in at 6’7 368 lbs, makes for an interesting comparison between these two new promising rookies.
The Giants took OT Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 overall pick. A pro-ready tackle who played mostly on the left side at Georgia. Someone to protect Daniel Jones’ blindside for years to come.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 24, 2020
Although there is no denying Becton’s freakish athletic agility, he will need proper coaching to reach his full potential. Thomas, on the other hand, will start producing on day one. After all, his experience playing on a pro-style offense is one of the main reasons why he was labeled the most complete OT in a draft deep in talented offensive lineman.
https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1253723486679375877?s=20
Even though both of their QBs have been running for their lives, and both Thomas and Becton will no doubt help their teams tremendously, Thomas will prove why the NY Giants will have the edge once the season begins.
Still, I respect the argument from those who support the notion that Becton could have a higher upside to his game with his quick feet, blocking ability, and the fact that he carries his weight well. And although I think he definitely will help the Jets solidify their o-line, there is concern about his weight staying in check.
Overall, Thomas is a cleaner tackle, whose proficiency at both tackle positions makes him a safer pick. There’s no loss of power here for the Giants either, as Joe Judge will be able to plug and play him in both spots while the team benefits from a formidable blocker who can move defenders off the line of scrimmage with ease.
Sure, Becton had a higher combine grade than Thomas (6.70 to 6.49), and yet out of these juniors Thomas was taken seven picks ahead of Becton. This score may have been because of Becton’s outstanding speed, running a 5.1u, in the 40-yard dash. But Thomas still ran a 5.22u during his runs.
Andrew Thomas out here pimp slappin dudes pic.twitter.com/WWiwUgBZXr
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) April 24, 2020
It’s also important to recognize that this is the fourth year in a row the NY Giants have spent their first overall selection on offensive talent (Engram – 2017, Barkley – 2018, Jones – 2019, and Thomas – 2020). They’ve invested in this unit, and this year they continued to invest in their players by improving their protection.
GM Dave Gettleman on OT Andrew Thomas: "I always chuckle when people say 'You draft a QB, you get him weapons.' No, when you draft a QB you get people in front of him. This was an important piece for us."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) April 24, 2020
The bottom line is that players in the NFL are bigger, the game moves faster, and the talent level is fiercer. Whatever these talented 21-year-olds did in college is behind them now. Still, I believe Thomas will prove to be more of an impact player for the NY Giants both in the short term and long after that.
At 6’5 320 lbs, his combine performance and impressive highlight tape have shown his ability to topple defenders – a trait that will not only improve all facets of the Giants offense but will also be an integral component to Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones’ successes next season.