NFL rookies don’t traditionally report to training camp without a contract. But in this topsy-turvy year where all the rules and norms have been rearranged and shattered, nothing is surprising.
Andrew Thomas, the New York Giants’ first-round draft pick in this year’s NFL Draft, has decided to report without a singed deal in tow.
Thomas, the fourth overall selection in the draft out of Georgia, is widely considered the best all-around offensive tackle in a strong class that also contained Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Jedrick Wills of Alabama, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton and Austin Jackson of USC. You can also throw in UConn’s Matthew Peart, who the Giants grabbed in the third round.
Thomas reporting unsigned this year is no big deal. As Art Stapleton reported above, his reps and the Giants should have a deal done by the time the team takes the practice field next week. Until then, he can get himself acclimated with the surroundings.
The Giants have singed only one of their 10 draft picks thus far: seventh rounder Tae Crowder, a linebacker out of Alabama who was the last player selected in the draft. However, they have agreed to terms with several others.
Thomas is expected to challenge for one of the Giants’ starting tackle positions early on. Whether it be at left tackle, where he would displace the declining Nate Solder, or on the right side, which is a wide open competition at the moment between a half dozen players.
