Big Things Continue to Be Expected from Giants LT Andrew Thomas

Andrew Thomas's star has risen every year. Will this be the year he earns Pro Bowl honors?

Author:
Hunter De Siver
Publish date:
Jul 13, 2023 4:00 PM EDT

In this story:

Andrew Thomas, Offensive Tackle

Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 315 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 16 / GS 16. 1,050 snaps (98 percent). 3.0 sacks, 1 penalty

After drafting Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New York Giants community expected him to be their savior at left tackle.

To say Thomas struggled during his rookie year would be an understatement. He allowed the most sacks in the league (10) in 15 starts and the second-most quarterback pressures by any tackle in the league while also dealing with an ankle issue.

However, the former Georgia Bulldog made it out of the bust trail by becoming one of the league’s premier offensive tackles by 2022. Thomas was a key part of Saquon Barkley's and Daniel Jones’s career seasons by creating gaps and allowing space for the backcourt duo to run through.

His efforts earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro votes, but he only earned second-team All-Pro honors. In 2023, he hopes to add these deserved accolades to his resume.

Best-Case Scenario

Thomas is one of, if not the only member of the Giants, who can’t get much better. But he feels--and rightfully so--that he can improve in all areas of his game.

"I would say the biggest thing is consistency," Thomas said earlier this spring. "The things that I already learned and understand, but also, like I said, just looking to learn new techniques. There might be some things I see on film from someone else that I might want to try just to see if it works for me."

And if that comes with accolades, great. If not, then no big deal, Thomas said.

"Obviously, you want accolades and to be the best, but you don't get there by worrying about that. You get there by working every day to get better, and that's what I'm focused on.

At 24 years old, Thomas is still young, but that doesn't mean he can't be a leader for his fellow offensive linemen or raise his game to new heights. The fascinating thing to watch is just how high his ceiling actually is.

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Worst-Case Scenario

Should Thomas go down with an injury during the season, the Giants don’t have much depth behind him, as the swing tackle position is one that still needs to be sorted out this summer.

One other factor that could negatively impact Thomas’ season is the opposing defensive ends he’ll face. Depending on where they line up, Thomas may be challenged by 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and Pro Bowl-caliber edge rushers Maxx Crosby, Von Miller, Matt Judon, Rashan Gary, and more. He’ll also have to potentially play against Micah Parsons, Haason Reddick, and Chase Young twice each.

But facing top-notch competition isn't new for Thomas, who has improved every year with his technique. There's no reason to think this year will be any different.

What to Expect in 2023

Thomas is not one to ever be satisfied with his game, which is a good thing. He's also playing for his next contract, as even though the Giants have picked up the option year in his rookie deal, early history has shown that Joe Schoen won't let negotiations with a key first-round pick whose option year was exercised dwindle down to the wire.

We don't expect Thomas's new contract to happen this year, but if he continues to play at such a high level, it will undoubtedly become a priority.

His success from last season also gives him the credibility to give pointers to his fellow offensive linemen. If Thomas has them all on the same page come Week 1, they could be considered among the best front fives in the league by Week 8.