Andrew Thomas

Offensive tackle, Georgia Bulldogs
6-5, 315
40 time: 5.22

OVERVIEW

Thomas earned the starting right tackle job as a true freshman for Georgia, playing in all 15 games there before switching to left tackle as a sophomore and junior, starting 42 of 43 possible career games. He was selected one of four permanent team captains in 2019 as a third-year junior.

Thomas had a good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, with his arms measuring 36 1/8 inches and solid testing across the board.

ANALYSIS

Thomas is a prototypically built offensive tackle. He takes most snaps out of the two-point stance, but there is nothing passive about him in the running game, where he shows terrific initial quickness and power in driving opponents off the ball to create easy rushing lanes. Good initial quickness out of his stance in pass protection. Plays on the balls of his feet and with his knees bent, sliding quickly left and right to mirror edge rushers.  Good patience to allow defenders to come to him, protecting the sanctity of the arc by not panicking. Long arms and powerful hands to grip and control opponents. Possesses the core flexibility and reach to recover if beaten initially and push rushers wide. Impressive coordination between his upper and lower halves when switching off combo blocks. Powerful mitts with terrific hand placement. Can rock opponents with his initial punch and rarely loses snaps once he’s latched on. Coaches rave about his character and maturity.

Thomas shows more efficiency than flashy athleticism in pass protection and can be challenged with speed off the snap. Labors a bit getting to the second level, lacking the foot speed and change of direction that teams running a lot of zone would prefer. Can get a little over his skis when blocking on the move, allowing himself to get off-balance and lunging into his blocks.

PRO COMPARISON

Russell Okung, Los Angeles Chargers — Thomas, even bigger than Okung, offers a similar rugged, physical playing style, albeit with some athletic limitations. Okung has struggled with durability since being selected sixth overall (by Seattle) in 2010 but has proven to be one of the better all-around tackles in the NFL, earning two Pro Bowl trips.

Projection: First Round

—Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)