[jwplayer usLosNO1-ThvAeFxT]
The New York Giants stayed put and selected Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
After seemingly trying to trade out of the No. 4 pick, the Giants brought in some added insurance on the offensive line. Thomas is regarded as one of the four top offensive tackles in the draft.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Thomas brings both size and immense length to the edge with 36 1/8 arms. With question marks on both sides of the offensive line, Thomas is a prospect with a high floor and plenty of upside if the Giants can fix his issues with his technique consistency—a completely fixable trait.
Thomas also should fit right into the culture of the locker room, one that new head coach Joe Judge is implementing early. As a team captain with Georgia in 2019, the Giants are getting a leader on the field and in the locker room.
The Giants had the chance to take linebacker Isaiah Simmons, but general manager opted to add protection for second-year quarterback Daniel Jones while Thomas will also pave way in the running game for running back Saquon Barkley.
Thomas brings a lot of power to the run game. His power, length and tenacity with a mauler’s attitude should help the Giants on the right side of the line. It is likely that with Nate Solder still under contract that Thomas starts out on the right side with the projection to move to left tackle in the future.
Thomas worked at both left and right tackle for the Bulldogs throughout his three seasons in Athens.
He might not be the most athletic tackle in the draft, but he’s technically sound in the run game who brings a mauler’s mentality and has plenty of upside as a pass protector to be a long-term option for the Giants.
The Giants now have to add to the interior offensive line, especially at center, but Thomas gives Big Blue a mauler on the right side with the upside to be a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle if he can clean up his technical consistency in pass protection.
[lawrence-related id=645403]