Moving into a new season always brings worries, especially if a team is uncertain about their quarterback situation. But another crucial position to consider is the starting left tackle – their ability and reliability. Fortunately for the Giants, they can rest easy in this regard. Their best player happens to be their left tackle, which is a premium position that’s hard to fill with strong blind-side protectors.
However, there’s also a conundrum. The offensive line is the team’s number one concern, sparking the most questions. Still, there’s one bright spot and exclamation point named Andrew Thomas, who provides a glimmer of hope. As he enters his fourth NFL season, Thomas has a stronger job security than any other player on the Giants’ roster. In fact, his five-year, $117.5 million contract extension keeps him under contract until the 2029 season, longer than any of his teammates. In comparison, other players like Dexter Lawrence and Daniel Jones have deals that expire before Thomas’.
Despite being an established veteran, Thomas is only 24 years old. If he stays healthy, he could potentially negotiate a new contract at age 30, which isn’t ancient for offensive linemen who often excel for over a decade. Thomas is undoubtedly the shining star of the Giants’ offensive line, and as long as he remains healthy, he’s likely to stay with the team.
Thomas enjoyed great success before joining the Giants, achieving a 36-7 record in his three years at Georgia and winning a national championship as a starting right tackle. The Giants struggled in his first two seasons, but they finally found success last year with a 9-7-1 record that led to their first playoff appearance and victory since 2011.
Looking ahead, Thomas understands the importance of building on last year’s progress. He acknowledges that every year is a fresh start, but they aim to maintain the same winning mentality – fighting for four quarters, protecting the quarterback, running the ball, and establishing dominance on the offensive line. This mindset will fuel their efforts to continue improving.
Various metrics rank offensive linemen, and Thomas excels in most of them. According to Pro Football Focus, he holds the fourth spot among left tackles in the NFL. A survey conducted by ESPN with executives, coaches, and scouts also places Thomas in the top seven. Pro Football Network ranks him at number four.
Thomas was inherited by the current Giants regime, led by general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. He was the fourth overall pick in the 2020 draft, evaluated as the top tackle in his class by former general manager Dave Gettleman. Thomas faced challenges during his rookie season and even missed four games in 2021 due to an ankle injury. However, he displayed steady development and improvement, solidifying his role as a dependable protector for quarterback Daniel Jones. Ultimately, Thomas’s performance led to a lucrative contract extension, with $67 million in guaranteed money – the most ever for an offensive lineman.
His teammates admire and commend Thomas for his accomplishments. They recognize the obstacles he overcame and admire his humility. Despite his success, Thomas remains grounded and approachable. His presence in the locker room fosters a strong bond among the offensive linemen, who support and root for each other’s success.
Thomas’s commitment to his craft and professionalism make him resemble a young executive. He approaches his work with dedication, studies his craft diligently, fulfills media obligations, and is transitioning into a leadership role as a team captain in his second year. The Giants hope that Evan Neal, their 2022 seventh overall pick, will follow Thomas’s example and overcome the struggles of his first year with significant improvement in his second season. Additionally, rookie John Michael Schmitz will take on the center position, while the starting guards will come from a talented group that includes Mike Glowinski, Ben Bredeson, and Josh Ezeudu.
Thomas acknowledges the talent within the offensive line group and appreciates the healthy competition for starting spots. He states that this is one of the most competitive rooms he’s seen in a long time. The versatility of some players also allows for flexibility in case of injuries, ensuring a seamless transition without a drop in performance.
However, there is no replacement for Thomas. He is an irreplaceable asset on the Giants’ offensive line, and he holds a pivotal role in their plans to be an explosive and high-scoring offense. Any offensive strategy starts with Thomas anchoring the left side of the line, setting the tone for the team’s success.
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