With the NFL releasing its annual Top 100 players list, we have seen some rather interesting choices be made. While New York had two players make the cut in the form of Dexter Lawrence and Saquon Barkley, fans are not happy about one player being left off the list.
Somehow, NY Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas was left off of the NFL Top 100. Judging by the list itself, the league and its players clearly don't care for offensive linemen. However, this is no excuse to keep Thomas off of it. While he may not care about this, we sure do. Here are three reasons why:
3. The players who made it over Andrew Thomas is laughable
It's almost a meme in the NFL community to trash the Top 100 list every year as they can almost never get it right. However, this time around, Thomas not being on the list at all just doesn't seem like it should be possible when you look at some of the players who somehow made the Top 100.
For example, here is a list of guys who have no reason for being above Thomas on the list:
Aidan Hutchinson
Tua Tagovailoa
Justin Fields
Tariq Woolen
Jared Goff
Tony Pollard
Trevon Diggs
Khalil Mack
Austin Ekeler
Kyle Juszczyk
That's just to name a few. In the most serious way possible, how did Justin Fields make it over Thomas?? This isn't hate for Fields as he had an incredible past season as a runner, but with his questions as a passer and the Bears' poor record, how did he even make the list period? However, considering that they put Fields over Trevor Lawrence, it's clear that his popularity outshines his skill in this case.
This is the big problem with the NFL Top 100. While it's great to see players give their opinions and realistically the list isn't all that important, that doesn't make it any less frustrating to see such a talented player be left off.
Maybe another year of proving himself as arguably the best player at his position will earn Thomas his spot. For now, though, we suppose he'll just have to take the disrespect and show the world how great he is once again.
2. He was one of four offensive/defensive All-Pro members left off the list
Honestly, the fact that any player on offense or defense can make an All-Pro team, yet be kept off the list, goes to show how much of a joke it is. Aside from Thomas, Creed Humphrey, Joe Thuney, and James Bradberry were also withheld from their Top 100 selection. While we can somewhat understand Bradberry being left off, Thuney and Humphrey are arguably top three players at their positions.
It's honestly frustrating to see such talented players consistently be disrespected by their peers. We know offensive linemen never get the love they deserve, but it's still annoying that the league's players don't see the value in a good unit for the trenches.
While we're sure All-Pro players are often left off the Top 100 list, it's still insane to think that Humphrey and Thomas, two players who have good cases to be the best players at their respective positions, can be left off. Thomas too? Come on.
1. Andrew Thomas was one of the best LTs in the NFL last season
In previous seasons, the title of best left tackle has been held by Trent Williams. However, this time around, there is a serious case to be made for Thomas being the new king of left tackles in the NFL.
Last season, Thomas allowed just 21 pressures, three sacks, and was flagged twice through 16 games. In addition to this, he earned a PFF grade of 89.1. In the case of Williams, he allowed 15 pressures, one sack, and was flagged seven times through 14 games, earning a PFF grade of 93.0.
So, while playing in two fewer games, Williams was flagged five more times and had somewhat similar numbers to Thomas as a pass protector. While Williams was potentially the better player when healthy, it's hard to ignore that he missed games. It wasn't a crucifying amount of missed games by any means, but it's still notable.
While Thomas will undoubtedly earn his right as the best left tackle soon due to his young age and Williams's eventual retirement, it's still great to see that Thomas has an argument at just 24 years old. The conversation can go back and forth depending on what you prefer in a left tackle. However, there's no doubt that Thomas has a case. The fact that he was potentially the best player at his position, yet was left off the Top 100 list is comical.