Andrew Thomas did not have to wait long to hear his name called in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The New York Giants took Thomas with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft, making him the top offensive lineman off the board.
Shortly after the pick was announced Georgia coach Kirby Smart shared a video discussing Thomas and what he meant to the Georgia program.
“I’m just so happy you’re able to reach your goals,” Smart said. “A three-year starter at the University of Georgia. Played a lot of great competition in those years and competed every day.
“We as a family can’t be anymore thankful as a program for what you did at UGA.”
Thomas was a three-year starter at the University of Georgia, playing right tackle as a freshman and then the past two seasons as Georgia’s left tackle. He was a multiple-time All-American in his time with the Bulldogs, as well as a team captain.
Related: New York Giants select Andrew Thomas with the No. 4 pick in 2020 NFL Draft
Georgia fans were pretty excited for Thomas to land with one of the top picks in the draft. He becomes the highest drafted player in the Smart era. It is the second-straight year the Giants have taken a Georgia Bulldog in the first round. Last year they selected Deandre Baker in the first round.
Most on Twitter approved of the pick, as he’ll protect quarterback Daniel Jones as well as open holes for running back Saquon Barkley.
Even the Jonas Brothers chimed in on the pick.
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.
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.”
When speaking at the NFL combine, Thomas felt comfortable that he was the best tackle in the draft. And the Giants made that so on Thursday night.
“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.”
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
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