2020 NFL Draft: Justin Herbert goes No. 1 in first-round NFL mock draft
By John Newman
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Offensive Tackle. Georgia. 30. Andrew Thomas. 5. player
The 2020 NFL draft will be the first year with general manager Joe Douglas behind the wheel of NY Jets draft board. If his time in Philadelphia has taught us anything, its that Douglas values the trenches. In this case, it will in the offensive line by adding Andrew Thomas in the first round.
The consensus is that Thomas is the best offensive tackle available in the 2020 NFL draft, and 2019 has shown the Jets why they need a good offensive line in order to compete. The Jets’ two most important offensive pieces, Sam Darnold and Le’Veon Bell, have both had disappointing years so far.
There was Darnold with his less than ideal “seeing ghosts” comment, which has been ridiculed and memed to death. Then there is Bell, who has produced less this year in 10 games than he did in six games in 2015. I hope this can prove as another piece of evidence in the debate about what contributes the most to rushing production debate. Another example of the offensive line contributing more to rushing production than anything else.
The Georgia tackle has been a game-changer for the offensive line this year. His 6-foot-5, 320-pound frame is a wrecking ball on the line, pushing defensive ends off their path to the quarterback. He is all muscle and brute force and would be ideal in pass protection or run protection for the NY Jets.
The Georgia Bulldog has been instrumental in helping their offensive line give up just 6 sacks on the year and aiding D’Andre Swift rush for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games so far, according to ESPN.
The Jets are in serious need of offensive line help, as they lost Kelechi Osemele, who was cut after a dispute with the team over and injury. Sam Darnold is a talented quarterback and showed flashes last year of the quarterback he could be. And Le’Veon Bell is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, as his unique running style makes him a nightmare for defenders to keep up with.
But first, the Jets must find an elite tackle to protect their franchise’s most important offensive weapons.
The Jets are also a contender to trade this pick, as they have their first-round quarterback already. Some teams might pay a high price in draft picks to the NY Jets for this spot. But the Jets would be foolish to do so. The 2020 NFL draft only has so many elite tackles available. And if teams like the Rams and the Browns are any indication, it is unwise to skimp out on the offensive line.