2020 NFL Draft: First round mock draft featuring Joe Burrow at No. 1
Scouting Report. Offensive Tackle. 30. 3. player. Pick Analysis. Georgia. Andrew Thomas
This one is pretty easy, too. The Jets can’t have their franchise quarterback out there “seeing ghosts”. Even after his odd absence due to mononucleosis, Sam Darnold has not looked nearly as confident and effective as he was towards the end of last season. A popular pick for a breakout season this offseason, Darnold has underwhelmed to this point, and I think you can attribute a lot of that lack of production to his lack of protection and trust in his offensive line.
After a loss to the tanking Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets find themselves with a top-three pick once again in the 2020 NFL Draft. Last year, they drafted their franchise quarterback. This time around, they take a guy that will keep him upright. Andrew Thomas from Georgia is the best offensive line prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft class and would be a much more welcomed sight for Darnold than those ghosts.
All joking aside, Darnold has shown spurts of great potential to be a solid starting quarterback in this league. If he is given a little time in the pocket to make his reads and make plays, the Jets have the potential to be a very dangerous offense. Bringing in weapons like LeVeon Bell, Jamison Crowder and Demaryius Thomas to pair with Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa and Chris Herndon, the Jets just need an offensive line.
Thomas is a big, mauling tackle who is incredibly effective as a pass protector and as a run blocker. Thomas anchors a Georgia offensive line that rarely gives up a sack and creates holes for one of the most effective and productive run games in the nation.
With quick feet, long arms and powerful hands, Thomas has everything you look for in a left tackle to protect your quarterback. His combination of athleticism and power make him a wreaking ball in the run game, giving him the ability to handle initial defenders, move to the next level and dominate there as well.
Sam Darnold and LeVeon Bell would both love to see big Andrew Thomas walk through the doors in the Meadowlands and certainly wouldn’t mind seeing the Jets address the rest of the offensive line in some form this offseason as well.
The Jets have shifted their mindset back to rebuild mode after some chatter of playoff hopes coming into the season. After parting with Leonard Williams at the trade deadline and a lot of drama surrounding defensive leader Jamaal Adams, that side of the ball could use some attention as well.
That being said, if New York doesn’t make an effort to give their quarterback of the future a little peace of mind when it comes to his protection, they will stunt his growth and won’t have a chance to do anything at all as a team in the near future.