Andrew Thomas is now in the Big Apple. The debate between offensive tackles like Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs, and Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons for New York Giants fans is over.
Though many reports suggested that Tristan Wirfs was the Giants guy, the front office opted for the former Georgia Bulldog Andrew Thomas. The Giants will have to figure out on what side to place Thomas (obviously at a tackle position) in his rookie year and in the future.
Andrew Thomas and His Fit with the Giants
The Debate Between a Tackle or Linebacker
The Giants had many problems and still have many holes to fix in the NFL Draft. But the drama surrounded the fourth overall pick. The choices expected to be available were Clemson’s star linebacker Isaiah Simmons, Georgia Bulldog left tackle Andrew Thomas, Iowa right tackle Tristan Wirfs, Tua Tagovailoa‘s blindside blocker Jedrick Wills, and Louisville left tackle Mekhi Becton.
The Giants surrendered 43 sacks last season when rookie Daniel Jones and veteran Eli Manning were in the backfield. Nate Solder gave up a career-worst eleven sacks and 57 pressures from the left side of the offensive line. They signed veteran Mike Remmers to a one-year contract in May of 2019, instead of prioritizing a tackle in the draft. Remmers gave up 40 pressures and three sacks in 2019.
The Giants had a bright spot in swing lineman Nick Gates, who hinted at some promise in the future. However, with a new staff, the Giants were not taking chances based on one year and signed former Cowboys tackle Cameron Fleming. He had recent familiarity with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and offensive line coach Marc Colombo in Dallas and knew Joe Judge while he was in New England. The Giants could not possibly release Solder, as the dead cap hit would’ve been significant. The Giants felt with this year’s tackle class, there was no reason to pass on a tackle.
On the defensive side, the Giants traded for Alec Ogletree from the Rams in 2018. After the fact, the Giants still struggled to cover tight ends and stop the run properly. The Giants cut bait with Ogletree last month and signed former Packers linebacker Blake Martinez. To note, the Giants still have 2019 fifth-round pick Ryan Connelly and backup David Mayo. The con with Martinez is his inability to cover. That is where the Simmons talk came in. He played more than 100 snaps at each defensive position at Clemson and had the ability to cover running backs and tight ends, rushing the passer when he had to.
Where Do the Giants Put the Former Bulldog?
A lot of research has shown that offensive tackles in their first year usually struggle, and then improve significantly in their second year. The Giants currently have Nate Solder, Cam Fleming, Andrew Thomas, Nick Gates, and Matt Peart, a fellow rookie who can also play offensive tackle.
The Giants will likely have to start Nate Solder to start off the year, giving Peart some time to learn on the bench. Nick Gates can also play right tackle, but most likely will be a swing lineman.
Thomas could be eased into the professional game at the right tackle position. Thomas might struggle, but not as much as a rookie on the left side. Peart made a huge jump from 2018 to 2019 when his PFF run blocking grade increased from 70.7 to 90.1. Peart is a bit raw and his hand usage will need to be cleaned up a bit, but his athleticism gives him a bright future. Anyway, Thomas is likely to be put on the field first in 2020, and pending his development, the Giants will have a premiere left tackle for the first time in many years.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
