New York Giants OT Andrew Thomas finally gets some respect in new ESPN rankings

Due to the trainwreck 2023 season for the NY Giants, it's easy to forget just how brilliant some of the guys looked the campaign before. Andrew Thomas solidified himself as a phenomenal offensive tackle in 2022, taking home Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to Dallas last September and he missed a good chunk of the season. He's focused on '24, though, and you've got to believe he'll be ready to bounce back. Certain NFL execs, scouts and coaches believe that will be the case. ESPN came out with new Top 10 rankings for OTs, with Jeremy Fowler polling several people. Thomas has checked in at No. 8 on the list, with one unknown voter listing him at No. 1.

NY Giants OT Andrew Thomas is ready for a big 2024 with the G-Men

"A hamstring issue cost Thomas seven games in 2023, thus stunting his growth on this list. But he got several top-three votes due to his major ability. Thomas signed a five-year, $117.5 million extension just after our list was published last season."

- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler

The Giants offensive line was brutal to watch in '23, with the group giving up a league-worst 85 sacks. When he was on the field and healthy for the G-Men, Thomas didn't get much help from the guys next to him. That should change moving forward, with Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor being the headliners this offseason in terms of OL signings.

In the past, we've seen just how good Thomas can be from his left tackle spot. He'll once again be tasked in protecting the blindside of Daniel Jones, a player who is in a make-or-break year for NY. He should have confidence knowing Thomas will be there to literally have his back.

For so many Giants players, last fall and winter was a nightmare. There's optimism that things can get turned around in the coming months. Thomas is a beast of a lineman and he'll remind everyone soon that he's one of the best OTs in the game. We're glad the people polled by ESPN see it that way too.