NFL Draft Profile: A look at Georgia OT Andrew Thomas

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The offensive lineman in this draft will be a critical part of building and rebuilding NFL offenses. Louisville’s Mecki Becton and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas are among the best lineman in this draft. What makes Thomas different from Becton?

Thomas shows better overall technique than Becton. He has the proper knee bend, footwork, and vision that scouts and general managers want to see. He shifts his weight properly to be in a position to run block and pass block effectively. His strength is outstanding and he shows some ability to maul defensive players like Becton does. He uses his hips properly and faces his assignment to place himself in front of the pass rusher or run stopper. Becton and Thomas can plow down defensive players. He won’t be too slow in the trenches. Thomas may be the most polished offensive lineman in this draft. He shows good agility as well. Thomas will likely be a left tackle just like he was while blocking for the Bulldogs. Thomas height and weight are ideal for a left tackle at 6’5″ and 315 pounds. He ran a 40-yard dash time of 5.22 seconds and bench pressed 21 reps. Becton bench pressed 23 reps.

What does Thomas need to work on? Sometimes he puts his hands too high when pass blocking. NFL defensive players will be able to get through Thomas if he doesn’t lower his hands when pass blocking. This is a technique issue that needs to be addressed before a team selects him in two weeks.

NFL Draft Prediction: Thomas will be a first-round selection, top eight pick.