Enter Andrew Thomas.
The Giants needed help on the offensive line and now help is on the way.
The Giants selected Thomas with the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas, a left tackle out of Georgia, is pro-ready and will be counted on to bring much-needed protection on the line for franchise quarterback Daniel Jones.
Thomas, was one of four offensive tackles, projected to go early in the first round. His stock began to climb leading up to draft night, with rumors of the Miami Dolphins potentially looking to trade up from No. 5 to No.3 and select him.
When the Lions, at No. 3, decided to maintain their position it opened the doors for the Giants to grab Thomas with the fourth pick.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman recruited Thomas to Georgia and was their offensive line coach last season. He told the Daily News he believes Thomas as good a player as he’s ever coached…
“He’s very intelligent, a really good person. He’s not gonna get in trouble off the field. He’s gonna represent whatever organization he goes to in a top-notch way,” Pittman said in a phone interview. “And the biggest compliment I can give him is I don’t believe whatever money he makes will affect him … he’ll still be the same person. He’ll have his goals of wanting to be one of the best all-time tackles in the game.”
That’s the type of reference which appeals to general manager Dave Gettleman and new head coach Joe Judge.
Thomas won’t just be counted on to protect Daniel Jones, the Giants will need him to help open some running lanes for running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants have former Cowboys’ head coach Jason Garrett now calling the plays at offensive coordinator and his trusted offensive line coach, Marc Colombo is with him. When Dallas was clicking on offense, it was the strength of their line that set the tone for them.
Thomas will line up with 2018 first round pick, left guard Will Hernandez.
The Giants offensive line ranked 20th in the league in 2019 in sacks allowed (43) and 30th in the league in quarterback hits allowed (119).
It’s not the sexy pick Giants’ fans may have wanted. But, it’s the right one, at the right time.
