When the New York Giants selected Andrew Thomas as their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full bloom. We knew that the pandemic would continue to hinder this NFL offseason, but how much was major question.
Thomas went fourth overall and is expected to protect quarterback Daniel Jones and create space for running back Saquon Barkley for years to come. The Georgia product is one of the Giants’ highest draft picked ever at his position.
Since he has been drafted, Thomas is taking the opportunity to learn and develop any way he can, given the current status of the country.
“It’s a huge adjustment. Nobody will be prepared for it, but I’ve just been trying to play the cards that I’ve been dealt,” Thomas told Giants.com. “We’re having our meetings online. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to workout because I’m in Georgia, so some of the gyms are open, so I’ve been able to stay in shape and things like that. I’m just trying to make the best of my time that I have.”
The adjustments are likely not to end if and when the season starts. The NFL has already shortened the preseason by two games and the returns of the MLB, NBA and NHL will likely go a long way in determining if the NFL season is realistic.
Thomas has taken in as much as he can during the virtual offseason and on top of his continued workouts at the gyms in Georgia, he is working out with former Falcons offensive lineman Kynan Forney.
Thomas has made a point to work at both right and left tackle so he will be ready for where ever the Giants decide to line him up.
“For me, it’s kind of like a switch in my head that kind of goes off because the plays and everything are the same, the technique is the same, but everything is flipped to the other side,” Thomas said. “You might be using your right leg for something that would maybe be different on the left side. It’s just getting used to that. But once I get a few repetitions at it, it’s just natural.”
Among the other things Thomas learned since being drafted by Big Blue is a little bit about his teammates, and plenty through working with offensive line coach Marc Colombo:
“He’s a teacher,” Thomas said of Colombo. “He wants us to know everything that’s going on. We’re learning the formations, everything that’s going on, so we can understand the game on another level. I like that. It’s kind of similar to what I had at Georgia with Coach [Sam] Pittman. He wanted us to know everything that’s going on. I feel like as an offensive lineman, understanding the big picture allows us to play faster. He’s a great coach so I’m excited to be on the field with him.”
One of the players that Thomas is getting to know is veteran Nate Solder:
“I’ve also been building a relationship with [veteran offensive tackle] Nate Solder actually. He reached out to me,” Thomas said. “Obviously, he’s a man of faith, so that’s something that’s big for me, just him inviting me to be part of bible studies, something that I want to do and stuff like that. Just trying to get to know the guys.”
Whether Thomas takes Solder’s position or playing on the same starting unit, there is plenty that Thomas can learn from Solder as he transitions to being a pro.
It’s nice to see Thomas is already getting acclimated with his teammates and coaches despite the struggles of the virtual offseason and the way the pandemic has altered his first offseason.
Thomas has done everything the Giants could have hoped for, but hopefully when it comes down to taking the field, Thomas can prove the Giants made a great pick taking him fourth overall.
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