NFL Draft results: Giants pick OT Andrew Thomas at No. 4

The New York Giants have selected Iowa offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, No. 4 overall.

The Giants surprisingly selected Thomas rather than offensive tackles Jedrick Wills of Alabama, Mekhi Becton of Louisville, Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, linebacker Isaiah Simmons of Clemson and defensive tackle Derrick Brown of Auburn.

In his prospect profile of Thomas, BBV’s Nick Falato wrote:

“He can step in and start Day 1 but will have some growing pains as he develops and acclimates to the speed of the NFL. By year three, he should be a good starting left tackle in the NFL. His power, length, solid functional athletic ability, and football IQ are some of his best traits. I have concerns with his foot-speed against quicker pass rushers, and he can improve his punch, along with his positioning, which will maximize his effectiveness. He’ll be a very good run blocker, who could improve to excellent at the NFL level if he fixes some of those issues. Initially, he may struggle against seasoned pass rushers, especially those who are predicated on speed, but he has enough positive traits to not be consistently exposed in this area. The Giants may look to invest in Thomas, due to his versatility and ability to excel at right and left tackle. I wouldn’t be mad if that’s the case. Giants have been going after high character/culture players, and Thomas fits that bill. He has technical aspects to clean up, but don’t compare him to Ereck Flowers.”

In his 2020 Draft Guide, Dane Brugler of The Athletic said this about Thomas:

“Thomas has dominant qualities in the run game, steering and controlling blockers once he gets his hands on them. With his tendency to wind up, lean and abandon his lower body fundamentals, he needs to shore up his pass pro technique, but he gets the job done on tape due to his anchor, toughness and girth. Overall, Thomas’ balance issues are the main concern with his pro transition, abandoning his mechanics and getting himself out over his skis, but he can maneuver his hips in pass protection and clear run lanes, projecting as a starting NFL tackle with fixable issues.”

Where does Thomas fit?

As one of the Giants’ starting tackles. The question will be whether that will be on the left or right side. Thomas played right tackle as a freshman at Georgia, but has primarily played on the left side. Veteran left tackle Nate Solder has not played on the right side since his rookie season in 2011.

Gettleman had made it plain in his pre-draft press conference that the offensive line remained a priority.

“You know my theory. It’s very, very difficult for Saquon to run the ball if he doesn’t have holes. It’s going to be difficult for Daniel to throw the ball when he’s on his back. We’ll continue to build the offensive line,” Gettleman said. “Joe and I are of the same mentality that really and truly, the offensive line sets the tone for the team. It really does.”

The selection of Thomas likely allows the Giants to use veteran Cam Fleming as a reserve swing tackle, a role he has functioned well in throughout his career. It may also mean that Nick Gates could get a chance at center should the Giants not be able to bolster that position later in the draft.

Grade the pick

Vote in the poll below to let us know how you feel about the selection of Thomas.

Giants draft picks

Round 1 (No. 4) — Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Round 2 (No. 36) —
Round 3 (No. 99) —
Round 4 (No. 110) —
Round 5 (No. 150) —
Round 6 (No. 183) —
Round 7 (No. 218) —
Round 7 (No. 238) —
Round 7 (No. 247) —
Round 7 (No. 255) —

How to watch the rest of the draft

Friday, April 24
Rounds 2 and 3 (7-11:30 p.m. ET)
Broadcast on: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

Saturday, April 25
Rounds 4-7 (12 -7 p.m.)
Broadcast on: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

Digital:

The 2020 NFL Draft will also be streamed live via a number of NFL and ESPN digital properties across devices (Phone, PC, tablet and connected TVs). NFL Network or ESPN authentication may be required.

NFL Digital Platforms

• NFL App
• NFL.com

ESPN Digital Platforms

• ESPN App
• ESPN.com

Radio/Audio:

Radio coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft will be provided by SiriusXM, Westwood One, and ESPN Radio. Digital audio coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft will be available via the TuneIn app.

Other BBV platforms

BBV on Twitter
BBV on Facebook
BBV on Instagram
BBV Radio (available on all of your favorite podcast platforms)
BBV on YouTube