2020 NFL Draft: New York Giants surprise, take Andrew Thomas at No. 4

With the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select the tackle out of Georgia in Andrew Thomas, beefing up their offensive line.

The New York Giants have been rumored to trade down or take Isaiah Simmons. However, the right decision was always going to be at offensive tackle and the pick is Andrew Thomas. Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills and Mekhi Becton could have been at play as well.

Daniel Jones needs protection, as the Giants currently have Nate Solder, as he struggled at left tackle last season. There were talks he could move to right tackle, and now he can with the selection of Andrew Thomas. Solder, at age 32, is no spring chicken and his replacement was a big need heading into the draft.

Cameron Fleming was signed in free agency but he is more of a swing tackle or backup at the most. The other tackles the Giants have as well include Chad Slade, Nate Wozniak, Nick Gates, and Eric Smith. Those are nothing more than depth players or competition for the backup job. With new head coach Joe Judge, they pick in the trenches to build a foundation in front of Jones. General manager Dave Gettleman gets their hog molly in Thomas.

At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, the junior can start at either side of the offensive line and give the Giants a day one starter. Thomas didn’t shock the world with his combine but he certainly passed with flying colors in turn of measurables. With 36 1/8-inch arms and at his size, he has the prototypical frame of a cornerstone left tackle that you just cannot pass up.

Saquon Barkley will be very happy with this selection. Thomas is a mauler in the run game and that alone will help out Jones. Once he engages you in pass protection, the Georgia product packs a punch with his 10 1/4 inch hands. With an improved run game and an upgraded offensive line, the Giants offense should be much better in 2020.