All-Pro Andrew Thomas is just trying to get better ‘every day’

New York Giants starting left tackle Andrew Thomas said on Thursday at OTAs that he is focused on getting better, not on getting honors.

“For me, I’m trying to get better every day regardless of the accolades,” he said. “Obviously, you want accolades, and you want to be the best, but you don’t get there by worrying about that. You get there by working every day to get better, and that’s what I’m focused on.”

Thomas has certainly gotten better since being drafted by the Giants with the fourth overall pick in 2020.

“I think you’re always looking for new ways to improve,” Thomas said. “Coach Bobby (Johnson) does a great job with us. He has a set rule of non-negotiable things he has, but he also allows us to be unique in each and every way. All of us are different players. If something works for one, he might let someone do it. If something works for another guy, he might let them do it. That’s a blessing to have as an offensive lineman.”

What is he focused on getting better at?

“Starting with my set in pass protection, just being more consistent with my inside foot, making sure I’m staying on the angle consistently,” he said. “I would say my hands in pass protection as well, especially the inside hand, making sure I keep leverage on power moves and stuff like that.”

The Giants exercised Thomas’s fifth-year option this offseason. The next step is a long-term deal.

“We haven’t really got into anything yet,” Thomas replied. “If it happens, it happens. Right now, I’m just focusing on the first part of the offseason, and the rest will take care of itself.”

Thomas heaped praise on rookie center John Michael Schmitz and the complexities of the Giants' offense.

“John has done a good job so far,” Thomas said. “There’s a lot to learn in our offense. We have a lot of code words, different things that he has to do. The center makes most of the calls up front. We’re just encouraging him to be confident. Whatever he calls, that’s how we approach the game. He’s doing a good job for us, and I’m excited to see him play.”

Does having a rookie center put more pressure on the rest of the line?

“I don’t think necessarily,” Thomas said. “I think we do a good job in meetings and on the practice field so far just relaying the message. If one person doesn’t know the call, we make sure we all get it done at the end of the day. He’s done a good job so far, so I’m looking forward to his play.”

Thomas was then asked about another newcomer, Darren Waller, and what it has been like playing next to the tight end:

“So far, he’s almost like a receiver for us,” Thomas said. “For me, it really doesn’t affect me that much. We haven’t really got to do too many blocking drills with the tight ends just because of the rules right now. Once we get to that, that’s when we’ll work with them more, like chips and things like that. Right now, they’re doing a lot of seven-on-seven and stuff like that. It’s just the big guys right now.”