NY Giants: Evaluating impact of rookie class | Grades

Round 1, #4 Overall: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia

Andrew Thomas had an up-and-down first season in the NFL.

As expected, there were growing pains and struggles, but there were many dominant performances and impressive reps on film that provides much hope for the future.

Thomas had a slow start to the season as he let up five sacks in his first five games. It seemed that his technique was breaking down and he was struggling with defenders’ counter moves and quickness to beat him inside.

Over the second half of the season, Thomas really settled in at left tackle and became a trustworthy figure for Daniel Jones’ blindside. Thomas solidified his role on the starting line and instilled the faith that the organization put into him to make him the #4 overall pick of this draft.

PFF did not grade Thomas kindly, as shown by his 107th overall pass blocker, 65th best run blocker, and 78th best tackle in the league. Overall, these are not kind numbers but they don’t nearly tell the full story nor does the tape indicate Thomas ever played that poorly consistently.

Go back and watch the film on Thomas’ dominant performances on players such as Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Demarcus Lawrence, Aldon Smith, amongst many others. Thomas faced an intense gauntlet of proven, distinguished pass rushers all year and he handled everything thrown his way with some impressive play and technique from the #4 pick.

Thomas had a lot forced upon him in his rookie year. He became the team’s imminent left tackle after Nate Solder opted out due to COVID-19. From there, his position coach (Colombo) was fired midway through the season, and his new coach (DeGuglielmo) came in and seemingly picked up where Colombo left off.

Rookie Year Grade: B

2021 Role and Beyond:

Thomas will be the unquestioned left tackle for 2021 and hopefully many more years to come.