Giants say why they chose Georgia OT Andrew Thomas at #4

New York Giants explain why they took Georgia football OT Andrew Thomas with the #4 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

On Thursday’s first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Georgia OT Andrew Thomas with No. 4 pick.

Thomas was the first offensive lineman taken in the draft that is full of talented guys up front like Jedrick Wills who went at No. 10 to the Browns, Mekhi Becton who went No. 11 to the Jets and Tristan Wirfs who went at No. 13 to the Buccaneers.

Following the Giants selection, GM Dave Gettleman and head coach Joe Judge spoke to reporters about exactly why Andrew Thomas was the right pick for them.

Gettleman said:

 “He’s big, he’s long, he’s strong, he can bend. He can anchor in pass (protection). He’s very athletic in the open field, we are just really excited to have him, and continue to build this team properly.”

“Andrew certainly has a hell of a pedigree, a three-year starter in the Southeast Conference. He’s played against some real quality defensive ends during his college career. He has played big-time ball in front of a lot of people.”

Judge said:

 “I’ll tell you what, his skill-set favors his opportunity to come in and contribute. He’s long, he’s a good athlete, he has good short area redirect.”

“One thing that sticks out about him is when you watch the top pass rushers, with the exception of maybe a couple in this draft, they have to go against him. You watch his college tape and he is going against all the guys that you are going to see get drafted in the next couple of days. He does a heck of job on them, you see him compete, you see him play big in big games and that’s important.”

The New York Giants select Georgia Bulldogs OT Andrew Thomas

The New York Giants selected Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, one of the top prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants have selected Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with the fourth overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas is a veteran left tackle, who started all three seasons in Athens.

Thomas was named first team All-SEC by the coaches in both 2018 and 2019. He was a first team Walter Camp All-American last season as a junior and a semi-finalist for the 2019 Outland Trophy.

Andrew Thomas started 13 games at left tackle in both 2018 and 2019, only missing one game due to injury (Middle Tennessee State). His efforts as a freshman helped Georgia make the 2018 National Championship. He started all fifteen games at right tackle in UGA’s 13-2 season.

At 6-5, 315 pounds, Thomas has the size that NFL teams covet in an offensive lineman. Perhaps even more impressive is his college production. Thomas won three straight SEC East divisions and made three consecutive New Year’s Six Bowl games. Although Thomas elected not to play in the 2020 Sugar Bowl against Baylor.

Entering into the 2020 NFL Draft, Thomas was unanimously considered one of the top four offensive linemen, but where he stands in the top four has been up for debate.. Giants fans can expect an NFL-ready tackle in Andrew Thomas, who is ready to play from day one.

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Georgia Bulldogs QB Jake Fromm attempts a pass as Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas blocks Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in the SEC championship game.  Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports