With The First Pick
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Georgia’s Andrew Thomas has traits worthy of the No. 1 overall pick

By Seth Steere

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: The Georgia Bulldogs line up against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: The Georgia Bulldogs line up against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has the kind of special potential to challenge for the No. 1 overall pick.

Andrew Thomas was a 4-star recruit from the state of Georgia. He was ranked the 10th overall tackle in the country and for good reason; out of high school, he measured in just over 6-foot-4 335-pounds, according to 247sports.

As a freshman at Georgia, Thomas was quick to see the field and make an impact. He started all 15 games at right tackle for the Bulldogs. Thomas was awarded for his play, being named to the freshman All-America team by ESPN, USA Today, and the Football Writer’s Association of America.

Thomas was able to carry the momentum from his freshman year into his sophomore season. He made the transition from right tackle to left, starting in every game he played (13). Thomas missed one game due to a leg injury he suffered during the third quarter of their contest against South Carolina.

Thomas is arguably the best tackle in college football especially when it comes to protecting the passer. He has the feet and strength to compete with anyone on the edge. At times Thomas will flash his strength by throwing defenders off their pass-rush track.

Thomas steadily improved as a pass blocker in 2018. Early in the season, he would struggle to get out of his stance and as a result, he grappled to keep up with quicker defensive linemen. In Georgia’s season-ending bowl game against Texas, he was noticeably quicker and more effective at the snap. If he can continue to work on his explosiveness out of his stance, it’s going to be hard to find a weak point in his game.

Teams in need of a starting left tackle will have Thomas ranked at or near the top of their list of prospects for the 2020 NFL draft. He’s proven to be both durable and consistent and if he puts together another quality season this fall, he’ll be in the mix to be the first player drafted next April.

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