Big Blue View
The New York Giants are a different team when left tackle Andrew Thomas is on the field for them.
Thomas’ career got off to a rocky start after being drafted fourth overall in 2020, but he’s been one of the Giants true success stories in player development. A roller coaster rookie season began to smooth out in 2021, and he truly blossomed in 2022. Since then, Thomas has been one of the NFL’s elite left tackles, providing excellent pass protection as well as great run blocking.
He’s widely recognized as one of the NFL’s best blockers, and has cracked ESPN’s list of the Top 10 Offensive Tackles. Their respondents listed Thomas as high as the fifth-best tackle in the NFL, and he is ultimately ranked No. 8.
Top 10 offensive tackles
Before we get to my thoughts, here’s what ESPN wrote about Thomas:
8. Andrew Thomas (New York Giants)
Highest ranking: 5 | Lowest ranking: Unranked
Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 10After battling injuries in recent years, Thomas had a banner season for New York. His 77.7% run block win rate ranked second among players in our top 10, helping the Giants produce the fifth-ranked rushing attack. He’s considered one of the most well-rounded tackles and a cornerstone player when healthy.
“A big factor with tackles is how much you can trust them in passing-down situations against the best, often on an island, and Thomas can handle that,” an NFL coordinator said. “Not many can.”
The big question with Thomas is, and has been, injuries and availability.
When he’s healthy, there isn’t another tackle on this list that I would rather have for the Giants. Thomas is absolutely among the best offensive tackles in the NFL when he’s on the field, and is not only a versatile and effective run blocker, but also a lock-down pass protector.
ESPN mentions that Thomas is second among the “Top 10” tackles in run blocking (to Trent Williams). What they don’t mention is that he’s also third among the listed tackles in Pass Block Win Rate (to Wirfs and Wright) and only gave up one sack and two QB hits last year.
At the same time, ESPN and their listed sources all admit that Williams (2), Wirfs (3), and Mailata (4) all had down years by their usual standards. Likewise, Lane Johnson (7) is in clear decline and missed half the season.
Granted, the trick is figuring out how to keep Thomas healthy and on the field, but ESPN doesn’t seem to be knocking anyone else for availability. Likewise, the respondents are clearly boosting players based on...
