The New York Giants didn’t take the bait on many of the tempting options in front of them at the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
General manager Dave Gettleman could have easily selected Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons or Iowa’s super freak of an offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs with the No. 4 overall selection, but he chose to go the safe route.
Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, long considered a lock-down NFL left tackle for over a year now, was the choice. Yes, it’s boring, but Thomas is the most equipped tackle in this draft and is ready to start from Day 1.
“We spent a lot of time on this and we want to fix this offensive line once and for all,” Gettleman said on a conference call from his North Jersey home Thursday night, per Giants beat writer and USA Today contributor Art Stapleton.
“Andrew certainly has a hell of a pedigree. Three-year starter in the Southeastern Conference. He’s played against some real quality defensive ends during his college career. He’s played big time ball in front of a lot of people, and we spent a lot of time with him off the field as well, numerous conversations … we just feel like he’s ready to make this jump.”
So, will the Giants shift the fading Nate Solder to the right side to make way for Thomas this season?
“We’re gonna let training camp figure that out,” head coach Joe Judge said when asked.
The Giants are now deeper at the tackle position having signed Cam Fleming in free agency last month and also have Nick Gates, who was impressive in three starts last season.
