There’s been a lot of movement throughout the New York Giants organization this offseason. An entirely new front office and coaching staff, plus the standard influx and departure of players during free agency and the draft.
The Giants seem to be headed in a good direction, which is something they’d like to see continue. But they are thin in spots and can ill afford to lose certain players to injury this season.
CBS Sports recently named offensive tackle Andrew Thomas as that player for the Giants.
So much of the Giants’ 2022 season depends on the development of QB Daniel Jones, who has a new coach in Brian Daboll. And while Thomas isn’t yet an elite lineman, his growth as a second-year starter confirms he’s got Pro Bowl upside. As the chief blind-side protector of Jones, his loss would force rookie RT Evan Neal into a high-pressure job.
They’re not wrong. Thomas may only have two years under his belt, but the offensive line needs to remain consistent if Daniel Jones is to develop into an franchise quarterback. Since Thomas has been there and Evan Neal is new, the former can mentor the latter.
A first-round draft pick in 2020 (4th overall), Thomas was the team’s highest-drafted offensive lineman since 1974 when the Giants selected John Hicks with the third overall pick.
