The problem with needing a franchise offensive tackle and trying to get one in the draft is that it’s hard to project how that’s going to go. As is the case with every position, you have to be able to project how that lineman will fit into your system. You also have to part out what the player can and can’t do, and decide if the developmental curve is worth it.
Complicating this is that, while there are as many as five first-round talents at the position in this draft class, there are no obvious locks. That’s generally the case unless a Joe Thomas or Quenton Nelson drops from the sky. On the other hand, based on coaching, development, and scheme fit, it’s entirely possible to grab a franchise-defining tackle in the later rounds. It’s all about getting the right guy for your offensive scheme, and here’s how the 11 best offensive tackles in the 2020 draft class sort themselves out.
1. Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Height: 6’5″ Weight: 315
40-Yard Dash: 5.22
Bench Press: 21 reps
Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches
Broad Jump: 109 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.58 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.66 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Bio: Thomas was a four-star recruit from Atlanta’s Pace Academy, and he chose Georgia over 28 other schools, including Notre Dame and Michigan. The Freshman All-American started 15 games right out of high school, and moved to left tackle in time for the 2018 season. In 2019, he was awarded Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference honors after starting 13 games on the left side.
“I think athleticism,” Thomas said at the scouting combine, when asked what separates a good offensive tackle from a great one. “Playing at the next level those guys are freaks, so being more athletic helps you. And then technique, especially at the offensive line positions. Playing against those guys, you have to be a technician. Every down, every play, you have to change it up. It’s almost a like a chess match and you have to be able to adjust to different types of rushers, so I think that makes all the difference.”
Stat to Know: Thomas did his work in zone schemes on 83% of his snaps over three seasons, averaging 6.2 yards per carry (and 6.9 yards per carry when running to his gap in 2018 and 2019), with a 50% Positive Play Rate.
Strengths: Choppy kick-step at times, but he makes it work with excellent diagnostic skills and the proverbial head on a swivel. Has the feet to adjust to quicker defenders trying to slip past him to the pocket. Has a mauling, finishing mentality when moving in slide protection and to the second level. He’s happy to bury pass-rushers who come with less than stellar technique — embarrassed K’Lavon Chaisson multiple times in 2019 when Georgia faced LSU. Quick decision-making allows him to react well to stunts and twists — he hands off naturally when he needs to. Mirrors instinctively against inside moves. Plays from a solid base and doesn’t get rocked back easily.
Weaknesses: Pass sets are more abrupt than smooth — Thomas isn’t yet a natural mover as you’d like from an offensive tackle. Could be vulnerable to late movement from edge-rushers until he refines that. Has the raw strength to bury defenders once he gets his hands inside the numbers, but needs work in clamping on and staying there.
Conclusion: While Thomas isn’t the most agile mover, and I have concerns about the choppiness of his pass-sets against more advanced NFL pass-rushers, he presents the right mentality, levels of strength, and coachable traits to be a top-level tackle early in his NFL career. He’s best suited for a balanced offense in which the run game is a prominent factor, and physicality is a requirement.
NFL Comparison: Eugene Monroe. Like the Virginia alum selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Jaguars, Thomas checks all the boxes you’d like from a power tackle with improving agility characteristics. He’s as close to “plug-and-play” as you’ll find at the tackle position in this draft class.