The New York Giants will enter the 2020 season full of question marks, but perhaps none bigger than how they will perform along the offensive line.
Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Dave Gettleman has placed an emphasis on repairing the O-line and setting the Giants back on a positive trajectory. And in the 2020 NFL Draft, Gettleman took another step in that direction by selecting Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas in Round 1.
It remains unclear where Thomas will play this season — either replacing Nate Solder at left tackle or moving over to right tackle — but his importance to the team can not be understated.
For that reason, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently named Thomas the Giants’ biggest X-factor.
Nate Solder allowed a whopping 11 sacks last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Well, the New York Giants might just have remedied the situation by snagging former Georgia left tackle Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall pick in April’s draft. The rookie should have an opportunity to supplant Solder before the start of the regular season.
If Thomas can take the starting job from Solder, it could mean good things are ahead for Jones. While the former Duke signal-caller should show some Year 2 growth anyway, having better protection on his blind side could hustle that progress along.
The Giants have been reluctant to name Thomas the starter at left tackle, essentially leaving things open for a competition come training camp.
Either way, whether Thomas plays LT or RT, the Giants will rely heavily on him to shore up one of their edges. On the opposite end, Solder will remain and many believe he’s poised for a bounce-back season.
Ideally, Thomas will take over at LT at some point this year, but no one will complain about that so long as Solder returns to form, plays well and prevents quarterback Daniel Jones from being beaten into the ground.
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