2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft includes Jalen Hurts in the top 15

If you watched the Jets in Week 7 against the Patriots, it is clear that protecting Sam Darnold has to be a priority if they want any chance to succeed. While a new left tackle may not have helped much in that particular game, as Belichick and the Pats were sending the house at Darnold nearly every play, but his panicking under pressure showed a real Achilles heel that needs to be addressed, both with Darnold himself and with the personnel around him.

There is no one better in the 2020 NFL Draft to protect Darnold’s blindside that Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas. At 6’5″ and 320 lbs, Thomas is a big mauler in both pass protection and while run blocking. Georgia has allowed just four sacks on the season and has faced some solid edge rushers from Notre Dame and SEC opponents Tennessee, South Carolina, and Kentucky.

Not only is Thomas big, but he is quick and agile as well. He has great footwork in pass protection and great length and hand placement to keep rushers at bay. As great as he is in pass protection, Thomas is even more versed in run blocking.

Georgia has had one of the best rushing attacks in college football over the past few seasons. While their running backs have been very good and drafted high in their own right, the offensive line deserves a ton of credit for the team’s success on the ground. Thomas is very physical and aggressive as a run blocker, and in Georgia’s pro-style offense, has a lot of experience with NFL plays and pulls.

Protecting Sam Darnold and giving LeVeon Bell someone to patiently run behind in one swing would be the pick of Andrew Thomas here. He is a plug and play left tackle, and with current LT Kelvin Beachum‘s contract expiring at the end of the season, that is what the Jets would need him to do. Step in, step up and help the team steadily improve over the next couple of years as their franchise quarterback continues to develop.