Andrew Thomas was drafted fourth overall by the New York Giants in the 2020 NFL Draft. This was not only a safe pick for the Giants but also the best option. Over the past few seasons, the Giants’ offensive line has struggled. It’s about time Big Blue started to focus their draft priorities to the trenches.
Andrew Thomas has the potential to be a top tier offensive tackle in the NFL. For him to achieve this goal, three things need to happen.
Adaptation to pro-level pass sets
To get things straight, there will be a learning curve for Andrew Thomas. The Giants are starting fresh, new playbooks, and a lot of new faces in the organization. It will be a learning curve for everyone in 2020. This upcoming season will put Thomas’ skill set to the ultimate test. In 2020, the Giants will face some of the best defensive lines in the league.
According to Pro Football Focus, they put together the most valuable defensive lines in 2019. Below are the top four defensive lines from 2019. The Giants will face off against all these teams in 2020. One way for Thomas to learn is to gain knowledge from the best. I want to see Thomas go up against all these defensive lines and their standout players. It will only make him better and will teach him the speed of the NFL. I’m looking forward to the week one matchup, Thomas vs. Wyatt.
Most valuable DL in 2019
1. Steelers
2. 49ers
3. Rams
4. Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/CSUpGBpWcz— PFF (@PFF) June 10, 2020
New offensive line coach Marc Colombo
The Giants made a lot of moves this offseason. None of them were bigger than the signing of Marc Colombo who was previously with the Cowboys. As we all know, the Cowboys’ offensive line has been a dominant force for the last five seasons. They have always beat up on the Giants and the rest of the NFC East. The tides have turned now, its time for Colombo to help build the Giants’ offensive line.
Cam Fleming offers high praise for Marc Colombo.
Juice. Electricity. Energy."And he's a damn good coach."
Says Colombo really helped improve his technique last season in Dallas.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) April 2, 2020
As a rookie, Andrew Thomas is very lucky to have Colombo. He will be the perfect teacher and mentor for the Georgia standout. As we get closer to the NFL season, Colombo will set up Thomas for success. Even when Thomas struggles, Colombo will help Thomas improve his technique and teach him what moves works best against the best pass rushers in the league. The signing of Colombo is extremely underrated. The Giants’ line needs someone who brings energy and also can teach at the same time. Having been a player himself, he demands respect in the room, and he’s known for his disciplinary style.
The Giants need to have confidence in Andrew Thomas even if he struggles at first
It’s not going to be easy for Andrew Thomas in year one. First off, he is going to have to compete with Nate Solder to win the starting job at Left Tackle. Also, the Giants have a very tough schedule.
Don’t get it twisted, there will be times when Thomas struggles. It is important that the Giants have faith in him and give him fair opportunities to succeed. I expect Andrew Thomas to be a starter from day one, either at left tackle or right tackle.
Thomas is going to be an important player in the Giants’ organization for years. As long as he is healthy, he can become an All-Pro tackle. These three keys to success will help Thomas elevate his game to the next level. I truly believe the Giants made the right draft pick. Only time will tell.