Andrew Thomas was a star in his time at Georgia, starting from the jump as a freshman for a team that played for a national title. And he once again seems well-positioned to start early, as the  New York Giants took him with the No. 4 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Thomas is the highest drafted offensive linemen in the history of the Georgia program. He is also the highest-drafted Bulldog in the Kirby Smart era.

This is the second straight year the Giants have used a first-round draft pick on a Georgia player, as the Giants took Deandre Baker with the No. 30 pick last year. Thomas will also join former Bulldog Lorenzo Carter in New York.

Thomas started at left tackle for the past two seasons for Georgia after playing right tackle during that 2017 season. He was an All-American in his time at Georgia and won the Jacobs Trophy, given to the best offensive lineman in the SEC.

Georgia landed Thomas a member of its 2017 recruiting class. He was a 4-star prospect and the No. 45 overall player in the class. That same signing class had the likes of D’Andre Swift, Jake Fromm and Isaiah Wilson. Those three players are all expected to be taken during the 2020 NFL Draft.

Thomas started 41 games in his Georgia career. He was an All-American in both his sophomore and junior seasons when he manned the left tackle spot for the Bulldogs. Georgia won the SEC East each year Thomas played for the Bulldogs. Georgia was also one of the top rushing teams in the country, thanks to the holes Thomas routinely opened.

Related: 3 things about Georgia football OT Andrew Thomas entering 2020 NFL Draft

Kirby Smart gave a strong endorsement of Thomas when speaking on the NFL Network on Thursday.

“I think he’s a 12 to 14-year starter to be honest with you,” Smart said. “When he plays against the best, he plays the best. He been one of the most consistent players in all of college football.”

“The body of work speaks for itself. It’s not about just the combine, it’s about who he’s blocked. And he’s done it at the highest level for the last three years.”

It was a strong year at the offensive tackle position at the top of the draft. At the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Thomas made his case for why he was the best of a talented bunch.

“I think I’m all-around the best,” Thomas said. “I can run block, I can pass block, I’m coachable, I’m a technician, and I think that makes me the best.”

In addition to being a strong player on the field, Thomas was a captain for the Bulldogs this past season. He’s also a talented musician, as he played the drums in the high school band while also showing off this week his skills on the piano.

Related: Georgia OT and projected first-round pick Andrew Thomas showcases piano skills

Thomas is the second offensive tackle to be taken in the first round under Smart, as the New England Patriots took Isaiah Wynn in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Andrew Thomas measurables for the 2020 NFL Draft

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 315 pounds

Arms: 36 1/8 inches

40-yard dash: 5.22 seconds

Vertical Jump: 30.5

3-cone shuttle: 7.58

More Georgia football stories for the 2020 NFL Draft