andrew thomas

New York Giants NFL Draft Profile: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

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New York Giants, Andrew Thomas

The New York Giants are picking fourth overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is their third straight season picking inside the top-ten. It is a crucial draft that general manager Dave Gettleman needs to get right in order to keep his job.

The Giants have many positions of need, but arguably their weakest position is offensive tackle. Luckily for New York, the 2020 NFL Draft class is rich in offensive line talent, especially in the first round. One of the top offensive tackle prospects in this year’s class is Andrew Thomas, a refined prospect out of Georgia.

This article is the third installment of a new article series here on Empire Sports Media. This new series, the NFL Draft Profile series, will feature breakdowns of notable draft prospects to create a profile that summarizes and highlights the prospects’ top strengths and weaknesses. You can check out the first installment, the Isaiah Simmons NFL Draft Profile, here. The second installment, the Mekhi Becton NFL Draft profile, can be found here.

Granted, I am not an expert draft analyst. However, in this article, I will be breaking down Andrew Thomas as a prospect after watching hours of his film and using credible draft analysis from various sites such as NFL.com, Pro Football Focus, and The Draft Network intertwined with my own analysis. I will use the expert analysis to cross-check and cross-reference. I will use it to confirm or deny what I have seen on film. A YouTube video will also accompany this article on our channel, Fireside Giants. Unlike the last two draft profiles, I did not make this video. Instead, our chief engineer behind the Fireside Giants YouTube channel, Mike Iarrapino, made our Andrew Thomas Scouting Profile video.

Top Strengths:

Polished Technique:

Unlike Mekhi Becton, Andrew Thomas’s technique is not his biggest weakness- it is his biggest strength. Thomas is a polished offensive line prospect with a refined technique that allows him to excel as both a run-blocker and a pass-blocker.

Georgia’s 2019 matchup versus LSU is an excellent game to watch when evaluating Andrew Thomas. Thomas starting at left tackle, was tasked with defending LSU’s first-round EDGE prospect K’Lavon Chaisson. Chaisson has game-breaking speed for his position and is a handful for any offensive tackle that he is matched up against. But Andrew Thomas rose to the challenge and put together an impressive performance shutting down Chaisson despite a lopsided loss to the LSU Tigers.

In this Tweet, below are some of the best clips from Andrew Thomas’s matchup against K’Lavon Chaisson. Note the incredible lateral quickness that Thomas possesses as he efficiently beats Chaisson to the spot each rep and easily redirects Chaisson to the turf while remaining balanced and technical:

Andrew Thomas has excellent balance. He has very active feet that give him the ability to be a secure pass-protector. Seeing Thomas handle a speedy pro-level edge rusher like Chaisson bodes well for his NFL future. But he is not perfect in this regard and does have some technical difficulties against speed rushers that sometimes get him into trouble.

Andrew’s advanced technique also shows up in his run-blocking performance. The Georgia tackle is known for being a proficient run-blocker, and his technique and high football IQ are a big reason why.

Run Blocking:

Andrew Thomas is an excellent run-blocking offensive tackle. He demonstrated time and time again that he has no problem moving defenders to open up holes for Georgia’s talented running backs. Thomas’s run-blocking talents were on full display in Georgia’s 2019 matchups against Notre Dame and Texas.

In the Tweet below are some of my favorite highlights of Andrew Thomas run-blocking. Thomas throws multiple key blocks in single plays. He has high football IQ and great spatial awareness, which allows him to do this.

Andrew Thomas does a great job with cut-off blocks. He seals off defenders away from the running lanes and gives them no chance to get in front of the running back.

Top Weaknesses:

Pass Protection Against Speed Rushers:

I previously presented some highlights from Andrew Thomas’s matchup with LSU speed rusher K’Lavon Chaisson. That was one of Thomas’s most impressive games as he handled the difficult matchup exceptionally well. Still, not every play from that game was a win for Thomas, and some flaws in Andrew’s game did show up against Chaisson (and other speed rushers in other games).

Andrew Thomas’s technique against speedy edge rushers can be inconsistent. His footwork against speed guys sometimes gets him into trouble as his lateral agility can be stunted by lousy technique and footwork. Speed rushers have opportunities to beat Thomas around the edge with pure burst and bend.

The footwork against speed rushers is Andrew Thomas’s main issue. Often his initial kick step does not place him back far enough, and when he tries to shuffle to the right spot, it is already too late. That first step is vital for offensive tackles, and when facing an edge rusher with an abundance of burst, that first step needs to be perfect.

Some issues arise with Andrew’s hands when defending speed rushers. Whether he is late to initiate contact or has his elbows too wide, this is somewhere that Andrew Thomas needs to be more consistent.

He can struggle to keep pace up the arc with speed off the edge so cleaning up his pass sets is necessary. -Joe Marino of The Draft Network

Recap:

Andrew Thomas is a refined offensive tackle prospect. His technique is polished. Thomas also possesses more than enough strength and athleticism to get the job done in the NFL.

Thomas’s strength is as a run-blocker, where he has excellent spatial awareness and high football IQ that allows him to make multiple key blocks in a single play. He does have some occasional whiffs, as all lineman do, but he is a remarkably consistent run-blocker that uses his refined technique to open up holes and drive defensive linemen backward.

Andrew Thomas does struggle at times when matching up against speedy edge rushers and will need to work on this in the NFL. Thomas will need to improve his footwork and lateral quickness/agility against speed rushers off the edge. His hand placement and initial contact can use some improvement, too. His hands are too wide sometimes and cause him to miss the defender. He also has some reps where he waits too long to initiate contact, and, when he does, there is sometimes not enough power behind the punch.

The New York Giants have many different options they can select at the fourth overall pick. If the Giants go offensive tackle in the first round, they need to give serious consideration to Andrew Thomas. Thomas’s proficient run-blocking will help Saquon Barkley flourish in Jason Garrett’s offense that, in Dallas, featured an elite left tackle in Tyron Smith for years.

Drafting Andrew Thomas would not only make Saquon Barkley better, but it would help Daniel Jones develop, too. Jones needs stability at the left tackle position, and while there might be some growing pains for Thomas early on in his career (especially when dealing with speed rushers), he has exhibited the potential to be a premier offensive tackle with a polished technique to succeed as a pass-blocker. This is not me saying that Andrew Thomas should definitely be the pick (I am still leaning towards Isaiah Simmons), but Andrew Thomas to the Giants is a draft pick I would not hate- especially if they land him in a trade-back scenario.

New York Giants: Comparing The Recent Success Rate Of First-Round OTs and LBs

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New York Giants, Isaiah Simmons, Andrew Thomas

The New York Giants hold the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. With free agency just about over, the Giants spent a lot of money but did not fill every hole. New York did secure an inside linebacker, Blake Martinez, however, he still will not thrive in the pass-coverage role that the Giants desperately need to fill. This makes Isaiah Simmons still a suitable option at fourth overall.

But the Giants did not sign a bonafide-starter at the offensive tackle position either. Cameron Fleming was signed by New York with hopes of starting at right tackle opposite of Nate Solder, but that could change in next month’s draft, too.

The option for an offensive tackle or a linebacker (Isaiah Simmons) with the fourth overall pick is still there. Dave Gettleman and company will have a tough decision to make: take the best player available in Isaiah Simmons and change the face of your defense? Or address a major position of need with a stud offensive tackle prospect?

First-Round Offensive Tackle Draft Success

In the last three years, eight offensive tackles have been drafted in the first round:

  • Ryan Ramczyk- 2019 First-Team All-Pro.
  • Garrett Bolles- Has not missed a game, good PFF grade (75.9 overall).
  • Isaiah Wynn- Missed 24 out of 32 games with injuries.
  • Kolton Miller- Has not missed a game, average PFF grade (65.0 overall).
  • Mike McGlinchey- Played in 28 of 32 games, integral to San Francisco’s dominant offensive line.
  • Kaleb McGary- Has not missed a game, 13 sacks allowed, poor PFF grade (53.0 overall).
  • Tytus Howard- Missed 8 games in rookie season with an injury.
  • Andre Dillard- Played 4 games, sat behind Jason Peters. Expected to start in 2020.
  • Jonah Williams- Missed entire rookie season with an injury.

First-round offensive tackles are volatile. Many of them miss significant time with injuries or struggle to play at a high level early on in their careers. Drafting an offensive tackle is a long-term upgrade. But it does not necessarily improve your team right away. Drafting an inside linebacker in the first round, however, has proven to have an instant impact.

First-Round Inside Linebacker Draft Success

In the last three years, nine inside linebackers have been selected in the first round:

  • Reuben Foster- Career derailed by suspensions and injuries.
  • Jarrad Davis- Has played in 41 of 48 games, poor PFF grade (40.4 overall), and 15.3% and 13.7% missed tackle rates.
  • Haason Reddick- Started 20 of 48 games, poor PFF grade (40.1 overall), 12.1% and 12.6% missed tackle rates.
  • Rashaan Evans- Started 23 of 31 games played in, missed 1 game, recorded 11 combined tackles on 16 starts in 2019 with a 13.3% missed tackle rate and a poor PFF grade (49.8 overall).
  • Leighton Vander Esch- 2018 Second-Team All-Pro with 140 tackles and 6.7% missed tackle rate, missed 7 games with injury in 2019.
  • Tremaine Edmunds- Played 31 of 32 games, 115+ tackles both seasons, 9.4% missed tackle rate in 2019.
  • Roquan Smith- Missed 4 games in 2019 with injury, still managed 101 tackles with a 3.8% missed tackle rate.
  • Devin Bush- Started 15 games as a rookie, 109 combined tackles with 11.4% missed tackle rate, and average PFF grade (62.9 overall).
  • Devin White- Played in and started 13 games as a rookie, 91 combined tackles with 11.7% missed tackle rate poor, PFF grade (50.6 overall), and led the NFL in fumble return yards and touchdowns (121 yards, 2 touchdowns on 3 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries).

Despite mostly poor Pro Football Focus grades at the position, the inside linebackers have been impactful in their first seasons. Many of them totaled over 100 tackles in more than one season and many played in the majority of their team’s games as starters on the defense.

If the Giants do decide to draft Isaiah Simmons, they will be getting the best and most versatile inside linebacker prospect of the last four years. He will have an instant impact on the team and significantly boost the defense’s talent level. However, drafting an offensive tackle is a long-term selection with an impact that might be more valuable but take longer to arrive.

Shoutout to @BigBlueUnited on Twitter for inspiring this article.

Could the New York Giants draft a left tackle and who’s the best option?

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New York Giants, Andrew Thomas, Georgia Bulldogs

Left tackle is a serious concern for the New York Giants, considering Nate Solder had one of the worst performances at the position in 2019. The projected cap-hit for Solder in 2020 is $19.5 million, a massive number for a player who put rookie quarterback Daniel Jones under immense pressure last season.

The question is – can we trust Solder to pick up his play moving forward?

There has been little evidence to suggest the Giants can depend on Solder to lock down the left side of the line and give Jones the time he needs without being concerned about his blindside. Solder will turn 32 in April, and the Giants are still in a rebuilding stage, which complicates their situation as taking on his dead cap hit would be inadvisable. However, the new CBA allows the Giants to spread his dead cap hit over the next few seasons, which could result in them cutting him and drafting a new tackle to plug into the position.

One positive thing about Solder is his health. He hasn’t missed a start for Big Blue in two seasons, but that motivating factor didn’t amount to much as he was hit with allowing 11 sacks, tied for 2nd in the NFL, per PFF.

Who should the New York Giants look at in the draft?

The best-left tackle available is none other than Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. Thomas has been a bell-cow for Georgia over the last three years, and he’s been at the front lines for the Joe Moore Award consistently. The offensive lineman has featured at both tackle spots, which gives him the diversity the Giants are looking for.

Listing Thomas’ best traits:

-Recovery is impressive

-Great leg power

-Well-coached

-Fundamentally sound

-High football IQ — identifies stunts and blitzes well

-Strong hands

-True Hog Mollie

-Strong run blocker at first level

-Consistency

-Finds work (always looking to hit somebody and make a difference)

Negatives:

-Can struggle to get to second level

-A little small for tackle position

-Can lean too much in pass pro instead of hunkering down and staying tall

-Can be impatient at times in pass pro (specifically on stunts)

As you can see, the difference in positives to negatives is significant, which attests to how prepared Thomas is for the NFL. The Giants would be gaining a starting tackle on either side for the foreseeable future. They could plug him in on the right side and swap him over to left tackle in 2021 if they elect to keep Solder.

The New York Jets have already met with a potential draft pick

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New York Giants, Andrew Thomas, Georgia Bulldogs

This year’s NFL Draft is filled with talented offensive lineman, a position the New York Jets desperately need. One of the top talents, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, said he has already met and had an informal interview with the team.

What he said

Thomas announced at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday, in his exit interview, that he had the informal interview, although didn’t explain what happened in great detail:

“Just a lot of film, breaking down my film and little things like critiquing my technique,” he said. “It was just a couple of plays that we went over.”

Meeting with prospects is normal, but this seems to mean something more given the time this happened. Also, Thomas signed with Roc Nation on December 19 last year. Roc Nation has signed numerous New York-based athletes across the years such as Saquon Barkley.

The signing with Roc Nation and the informal interview has rightly made reporters curious how he feels about the possibility of playing in New York. He addressed this possibility while at the podium as well:

“That would be crazy,” he said. “You guys know I signed with Roc Nation so I’ve been there a couple of times and New York’s a nice city.”

What this could mean

This could mean nothing, as many players wouldn’t mind playing anywhere before getting drafted and probably wouldn’t try to sound too “picky.” That could impact when and where they get picked. Having struggled for the past few seasons, having a potential player open, and seemingly happy, with the idea of playing for you is great.

Sure, he wasn’t asked about playing for the Jets specifically, but with the Giants most likely not taking an offensive lineman with the fourth pick, it’s more likely he would be in green and white next season. Now, the Jets just have to hope he’s still available when they’re on the clock.

New York Giants: Offensive Tackle Still the Right Move in Round 1

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New York Giants, Nate Solder, Jon Halapio, Mike Remmers

For the third year in a row, the New York Giants are in an incredibly polarizing position for April’s Draft.  In 2018, it was the great debate of taking a possible franchise quarterback or a generational talent at running back.  Last year they passed on defensive talent for a quarterback we labeled a bust before he even took a snap.

For years, Giants fans have been clamoring for an adequate offensive line and for a linebacker that can finally replace the void left by Antonio Pierce.  These two areas of the roster seem to have been neglected for years.  In 2020, the New York Giants are in a great position to finally address one, if not both, areas of need.  The question that remains is which way should they go in the first round?

Isaiah Simmons

We knew to head into the NFL Combine that Clemson “unicorn” Isaiah Simmons was an athletic freak.  In Indianapolis, he garnered otherworldly comparisons.  After his performance was complete, his measurements compared him to wide receiver Julio Jones.  A linebacker or safety being compared to one of the best wide receivers the league has ever seen is explanation enough.  The man is truly out of this world at his position.

It is without question that the Giants would primarily play him at linebacker.  He can do just about everything.  We have seen him run toe to toe with his Clemson teammate, running back Travis Etienne. So, covering running backs, tight ends and even receivers shouldn’t be an issue.  We know he can tackle and has elite range to cover the field.

If there is one aspect of the “do it all” label I feel any semblance of concern about, it is as a consistent pass rusher.  The majority of his sacks and pressures came on pure speed, his arm length and being schemed to pressure.  That is extreme nitpicking, folks.  If he is drafted by the Giants, he won’t be asked to be a true edge rusher.

Offensive Tackle

Take your pick.  This is labeled a deep offensive tackle class, and for good reason.  There are roughly four names that consistently get ranked in the top 20 to 30 prospects.  Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas all have garnered attention for the Giants in the first round.  There is then another tier of tackles that could be had later in the 1st round, or the top of the 2nd round.  Houston’s Josh Jones, TCU’s Lucas Niang, and USC’s Austin Jackson.

All of these players have their unique skillset.  Jedrick Wills is primarily a right tackle and some believe he’d be better suited to move to guard. Mekhi Becton has incredible mobility for a big man.  Andrew Thomas is a power run game’s dream.  So for the Giants, it is a matter of picking the best scheme fit for the offense.

Most pundits will tell you that the Giants can find a franchise offensive tackle in the 2nd round.  They very well could. However, with how valuable the offensive tackle position is and how difficult it is to find in the NFL, is the risk worth it?

Verdict

I will be the first to tell you that this is a very difficult decision.  Trading back is ideal.  Isaiah Simmons is ideal.  The offensive line is ideal.  There is a way the Giants can do all three, however very unlikely.  Isaiah Simmons combine may have secured him as a top 5 selection.  He could even go top 3 and make the decision easy for Big Blue.  Yet, as badly as I covet a game-changing linebacker, offensive tackle is still the biggest need.

Daniel Jones is the future of this franchise.  Protecting your franchise quarterback is important enough.  Protecting your franchise quarterback that has an issue fumbling the football is amplified.  Two years ago, they drafted Saquon Barkley, “a running back”, with the 2nd overall pick.  This was in a draft class that was labeled as one of the best quarterback classes to date.  For Saquon, finding a running room has been the biggest challenge of his young career.

Again reflecting on that 2018 NFL Draft, many wanted the Giants to do the “smart” thing and draft a quarterback over an athletic freak.  This year, the majority have the complete opposite outlook.  Take the athletic freak at linebacker, over the more important offensive tackle position.  Of course, running back is not on the same level as linebacker or quarterback.  I get that.  However, the debate isn’t all that different.  Albeit a bit more complex.  A linebacker can help this defense win football games.

Yes, the Giants could get an offensive tackle at the top of the 2nd round or by trading up.  Is that the smart play?  With so many holes, do we want to give up more assets to trade up?  Likewise, do we want to sit at the 36th overall and pick from what is left at offensive tackle?  The position is so incredibly important, that there will be a run on offensive line talent in the first round.  Do the Giants pick whoever they want?  Or do they settle with whoever is left?

Looking at September 2020 and beyond, where do the Giants go?  Can they make a deep playoff run? Sure. Is it likely? Probably not.  Am I throwing in the towel in 2020? Not.  Let’s be realistic, though.  An offensive tackle can help the long term goals of this team while protecting your franchise quarterback from injury.  A linebacker will help as well, but you still play with fire with your quarterback.  Is this a reach argument? Yep.

In Conclusion

When all is said and done, what happens between now and the draft in free agency will determine a lot.  If the New York Giants do draft Isaiah Simmons, I will be one of the first in line for a new Giants jersey.  However, if the Giants’ offensive line woes continue and the fan base screams for Gettleman’s head for not addressing the offensive line the same way they did to Jerry Reese… well, I hope I don’t have to say “I told you so”.

New York Giants Met With Andrew Thomas On Thursday

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New York Giants, Andrew Thomas, Georgia Bulldogs

Offensive tackle is the main position being mocked to the Giants with their number four overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft and one of the top players at the position is Andrew Thomas, out of Georgia. Thomas is right up there with other players who have been mocked to the Giants as well as Mekhi Becton and Jedrick Wills, from Louisville and Alabama respectively. It seems the Giants’ interest is more than speculation, however.

According to SNY, Thomas made the revelation recently that he was set to meet with the Giants on Thursday – and Thomas had already met with the Jets, who may also be interested. It looks like Thomas has a legitimate chance of getting drafted by a New York team one way or the other, which is a possibility he spoke about.

“That would be crazy. You guys know I signed with Roc Nation so I’ve been up there a couple times and New York’s a nice city,” Thomas said about the prospect of being picked by the Jets or Giants.

Thomas, 21, could see immediate action if he is indeed picked by the Giants, likely in a competition against the slacking Nate Solder. Solder is widely regarded as having the worst contract on the team and could change positions altogether this season, leaving an open spot on the offensive line at the left tackle position – which the Giants will need to fill well if they want to keep Daniel Jones safe during what’s almost certainly his first season as the full time starter.

Here’s some of what the Draft Network has to say about Thomas’ pass blocking game:

Love how he brings the fight in pass protection. Has exciting moments of framing blocks, leveraging his hips and keeping rushers at the end of his reach. There are times with twitchier rushers where he can give up a step and he gets top heavy when recovering, leaving his feet behind. Has some erratic moments reaching his set points, particularly on vertical sets and he fails to get enough depth. Has some room for growth but his peaks are outstanding and he has the physical gifts to improve.

We don’t know yet what the Giants have learned about the prospect from his visit with them but if the team is impressed, we might just see them taking Thomas at number four overall rather than dealing the pick down to a team looking to move up for a quarterback – perhaps the most likely scenario if they don’t take a tackle.

New York Giants: The top 3 tackles available in the 2020 NFL Draft

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New York Jets, Mekhi Becton

The 2020 NFL Draft offers far more than just Isaiah Simmons, Chase Young, and Joe Burrow. It presents one of the best offensive tackles classes in recent memory, and the New York Giants are in dire need of support at the position.

With the 4th overall pick, Big Blue has the opportunity to grab a top talent at the position on a rookie deal, helping to protect young quarterback Daniel Jones for the foreseeable future.

Here are three of the best options the New York Giants should consider:

1.) Andrew Thomas – Georgia

At 6-5, 320-pounds, Andrew Thomas is one of the best tackle options in the draft. He’s a top-three tackle and has some of the best fundamentals out of the crop. A three-year starter for Georgia, Thomas is a front-runner to win the Joe Moore Award. Playing both left and right tackle during his tenure, Thomas has the potential to slide in at right tackle where Mike Remmers formerly sat for the Giants.

Thomas is a gritty player with the ability to recover nicely in pass-protection and get the job done in the run game. He’s a day one starter who will slot in with whichever team is lucky enough to draft him. While his build isn’t ideal for the NFL, he has a tough mentality and athleticism to compensate.

2.) Jedrick Wills

Wills is also 6-5, 320-pounds, but his abilities are a bit different than Thomas’s. He has some of the best punches in the game and a varied approach towards preventing pass-rushers from finding a rhythm. His mobility and hip-control allow him to follow pass-rushers in pass-protection, but having the agility and nimbleness to move freely enables him to jump to the second-level in the run-game.

While Wills is speedy and mobile, he tends to jump the gun at times, giving too much leverage to opposing defenders, allowing them to catch him off-balance and overly committed. As one of the most impressive prospects in the draft, the Giants could slot him in at right tackle with ease.

3.) Mekhi Becton

As one of the biggest tackles in the draft, Becton would be a behemoth addition to the Giants’ offensive line. At 6-7, 369-pounds, Becton would be a great right tackle with great mobility for his size.

While Mekhi played primarily at left tackle last season (11 games), he has the ability to move to the right side where the Giants would need him. His seven-foot wingspan gives him the length to stop opposing pass-rushers but also reset if need be. His upper body is strong, and his kick-out gives him the agility to react upon the snap of the ball. One of the more underrated aspects of Becton is his ability to jump to the second-level and block against the run. Being his size doesn’t make that easy, which only adds to his value in the first round.

However, size can be a bad thing at the NFL level, and without ample discipline, he could be exposed against faster pass-rushers. He can throw himself off balance at times when winding up to punch, which is a notable negative to consider. Overall, he’s a fantastic prospect with arguably the highest ceiling of any tackle in the draft.

2020 Draft Wire Mock Has New York Giants Trade Down For Tackle

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New York Giants, Andrew Thomas, Georgia Bulldogs

Who will the New York Giants spend the fourth overall pick on in the NFL Draft? It’s one of the major questions now that the team has a staff and the offseason is continuing – there’s a number of positions in contention for the Giants’ pick right now, including tackles, wide receivers, and the linebacker position which hasn’t seen serious upgrade in a while. However, according to one prediction, the Giants may end up not spending that pick at all.

Trading down is a possibility which has been discussed ever since the Giants found out that thanks to their results towards the end of the season, they wouldn’t have the second pick and therefore a chance to take Ohio State’s Chase Young, the top defensive prospect in the draft. It’s also the scenario that Draft Wire sees playing out in their latest 2020 mock draft.

In this case, it’s the Carolina Panthers that would be the potential trading partner. The Panthers have a new head coach in former Giants candidate Matt Rhule and this mock sees them potentially starting out a new era in quarterbacking also, with the selection of Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert, of course, was heavily linked to the Giants at one point… Before his play became more underwhelming and experts moved him out of the conversation for being a top three pick.

Of course, this still assumes that Herbet goes pretty high up, at number four overall, but being selected at that spot would make him the third selected quarterback overall behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa if the mock is accurate.

The Giants would trade down to number seven in exchange for their pick and this is what Draft Wire has to say about their selection, which is said to be Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas:

Another dream scenario for a team trading down, as the Giants get additional picks to move down three spots and still have their pick of this year’s top offensive tackle prospects. Other names have been challenging Thomas in recent weeks, but at the end of the process, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still the first tackle off the board.

Tackle isn’t the flashiest position to take but it is one of need after the performances of Nate Solder could see him traded or switching positions over the offseason – regardless of what happens, it doesn’t seem likely for him to return to his current position as the starting left tackle, meaning the Giants may bite the bullet and give drafting a tackle high up another chance. The last time they did that, of course, they ended up with Ereck Flowers.

Should the Giants make such a deal? Or is there someone worth taking higher up, a few spots higher at number four? We’ll see in the coming months just which option the franchise considers better.

The Real Question for the New York Giants at 4

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New York Giants, DeAndre Baker

The New York Giants have a very real dilemma if they do not trade back in the 2020 NFL Draft this April.  Of course, any Giant fan will hold on to the dream of Chase Young falling to New York, but the roads to get there are nearly impassable.  

It would take a team willing to outbid the Miami Dolphins, who hold five picks in the first two rounds this year, for Washington’s pick.  Which would also mean the Redskins would be willing to move outside the Top 5.

Possible? Sure. So is me winning a lottery jackpot upwards of one billion dollars?

What options do the Giants realistically have at 4?

Fans of the New York Giants should stick to three options assuming they stay at number 4.  Those options are offensive tackle, a versatile defensive unicorn, and another young cornerback.

Offensive Tackle

Fortunately for the Giants, the offensive tackle class has some very good talent.  There are four options right now that the Giants could consider at the 4th overall. Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, and Mekhi Becton out of Louisville.  

Jedrick Wills seems to be separating himself a bit from the rest, but Mekhi Becton has been gaining quite a bit of steam heading into the pre-draft process.  I wrote in my most recent mock draft that I believe Andrew Thomas would be the best fit for the Giants run game, but Becton Wills and Wirfs all have their arguments as well.  Admittedly, I’m beginning to lean more towards Wills, while not being able to deny the lateral movement of Becton. Regardless, if Dave Gettleman wants to add a hog molly with the 4th pick, there are plenty of options.

The Unicorn

All I really need to say here is the name “Isaiah Simmons” and end this paragraph.  Everyone knows his name and what he can do. He’s versatile, he’s talented and he has very few, if any, weaknesses to his game.  Simmons can play a variety of positions, which is what makes him attractive for the Giants here. He wouldn’t fix all of the defenses issues, but wherever he plays best would be an upgrade for New York.

His best fit for the Giants would likely be linebacker.  Either as an interior LB or as the WILL in a 4-3 front. Regardless, he can cover running backs, tight ends and even wide receivers, as well as be an impact blitzer.  If you’ve been a fan of the Giants for awhile, you likely desire a talented sideline-to-sideline linebacker that can defend the pass against running backs and tightends as much as I have.  Simmons is that answer.

Cornerback

Albeit the least likely of the three options, one can not rule out the Giants potential attraction to Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah.  Okudah’s man coverage skills and athletic ability may result in him evolving into one of, if not the best cornerback in the NFL during his time.  He is physical and can stay on a receivers hip through any route. Okudah’s ball skills are tremendous. He may need to work on his zone presence a little, but the value he adds in the pass game outweighs that.

The Dilemma

To me, the real debate for the Giants if they choose to stay at four is simple.  Linebacker or offensive tackle. Of course, Simmons can play more than just linebacker, but he is best suited for the middle of the defense.  He’s not a true EDGE rusher and putting him at safety takes him away from being a consistent impact on every rep. If the Giants draft Simmons, it is to play him at linebacker.  

As much as I covet a game-changing linebacker for this team, is a linebacker more valuable and more of a dire need for the New York Giants?  It certainly is something they need to address, but let’s not ignore the issues at offensive line.

The problems along the offensive line have been rampant for the Giants for years.  Nate Solder was given a big contract but has not lived up to it. The right tackle has been a carousel of players with no clear answer.  Misfortune and durability have crippled the starting center role. Trying to patch the line up can no longer be an answer.  

OL Nick Gates showed promise last season.  He stepped in when Mike Remmers was injured and looked good.  Whether or not he can be a consistent starter quality talent for New York is still a question.  Free-agent Jack Conklin has been a name linked to the Giants for some time now, but his signing with Big Blue is no certainty either.  Even with the addition of Conklin, do either him or Gates have what it takes to play left tackle? Can Nate Solder drastically improve?  

Finding a talented offensive line is not just a problem that plagues the Giants.  Every team in the NFL values talent on their line every off-season. There are plenty of teams with good lines, but having depth is another thing.  Jack Conklin could command big money in free agency, which the Giants have, but are they willing and able to outbid other suitors? Time will tell. 

The 2020 offensive tackle class this year is pretty talented.  As noted earlier, there are four options for the Giants with the 4th pick.  Usually, if a position of need is deep, I am all for waiting to select a player.  However, is this really something worth risking to wait until taking with the 2nd pick?  Would players like Josh Jones, Lucas Niang and Austin Jackson have the same impact and longevity? They might, but why let another team dictate who you can pick if you have the fortune of being able to choose whoever you want?

Isaiah Simmons is a fantastic athlete and I will not be disappointed to hear his name called to the Giants in April.  I will be the first in line to buy his jersey.  However, when it comes down to it, offensive tackle is a much more important need than a linebacker. The Giants have taken risks in the last two drafts.  A running back with the 2nd overall pick, and then a controversial QB selection in 2019. It is imperative for the success of the team to give both of those players help.  Even if that means sacrificing a unicorn in the process.

Debate: Should the New York Giants take a WR at 4?

by
New York Giants, DeAndre Baker

As the NFL season comes to a close, fans of the New York Giants have already begun speculating moves that their beloved team should do this offseason.  Something that has become all too familiar over the last few seasons.

One position of intrigue and debate is wide receiver.  After trading away Odell Beckham Jr. and being thin at the position, many wonders if the Giants will take an elite receiver at the top of this April’s NFL Draft.  Others, on the other hand, believe this would be a mistake. Which side are you on?

Making the case for a WR in Round 1

With the 4th overall pick in hand and considering the needs of Washington and Detroit in front of them, the New York Giants very likely could miss out on a premier defensive talent yet again.  Chase Young seems bound for Washington. Isaiah Simmons’ performance has made him a strong candidate to go 3rd overall. So, what does that mean for the Giants?

Popular options include trading back to a quarterback hungry team, taking a young offensive tackle or grabbing another cornerback.  However, many others think the New York Giants should be taking a wide receiver. 

Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb have been considered by some to be ideal selections for the Giants.  Jeudy has been compared to the Cowboys’ Amari Cooper and can be the outside receiver New York covets. His speed and agility make him a threat at all levels.  

Then there is CeeDee Lamb.  Lamb has incredible ball skills and control of his 6’2” frame.  Many compare Lamb to Houston’s Deandre Hopkins or even 6-time Pro Bowler, Reggie Wayne.  How could the New York Giants pass on that?

Even if the Giants were to trade down, the talent in this draft class at the receiver is very deep.  Clemon’s Tee Higgins, Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, LSU’s Justin Jefferson, and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault Jr. are just some of the names that could be called in the 1st round.

Making the case against a WR in Round 1

The depth of this receiving class may be the strongest case against taking a receiver in the first round.  It is no secret that the New York Giants have needed all over, especially on the defense and offensive line.  Is taking a receiver in the Top 5 really the best use of draft capital?

Without trading out, the Giants are sitting in a great position to address many needs with premier talent.  Isaiah Simmons is an ideal fit, but may not be available. Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah is another top prospect that will be available with the 4th pick.  The tackle position is very top-heavy, with Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas all being considered as the best tackle prospect in the class. 

The Giants have a talented group of receivers already, but they are thin at the position.  With the injuries they suffered last season, having depth is critical. Taking a wide receiver later in the draft may be their best option.  Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk, Southern Cal’s Michael Pittman Jr. and Ohio State’s K.J.Hill are just some of the names the Giants could call at any point in the later rounds.  Temple wide receiver Isaiah Wright has been impressing scouts this week at the Shrine Bowl and could very well be a breakout player in the NFL.

What about the free-agent market?

The New York Giants are going to have a ton of money available for free agency.  If they prioritize the offensive line and defense in the NFL Draft, they have some options in free agency in order to build out the depth at wide receiver.

New York can definitely bring back guys that WR Coach Tyke Tolbert is familiar with.  Cody Latimer, Cody Core, and even Da’Mari Scott would all be unsurprising returns to the Giants.  If the G-Men dip elsewhere in free agency, they do have options. They could look to add a veteran with a one year deal, much like Randall Cobb, Demaryius Thomas or Danny Amendola.  The veteran option giving them depth, talent, and experience as a stop-gap for the season.

What about a younger option that could be signed for a longer deal?  WR Amari Cooper hasn’t be resigned by Dallas… yet. The Jets Robby Anderson looks to be headed to the open market and will be sought after.  There are also options like Rashard Higgins, who showed flashes with his time in Cleveland before the Browns brought in Landry and Odell.

Whatever the case may be, the New York Giants will have to address the lack of depth at wide receiver.  The talent is there, especially with the emergence of Darius Slayton, but there is a longevity concern that will need to be taken into consideration.