CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
A HISTORY OF RICK SPIELMAN'S DRAFT TRADES
ANDREW THOMAS
HEIGHT/WEIGHT/AGE
6-foot-5
315 pounds
21 years old
BIG PICTURE
Andrew Thomas shapes up to be a quintessential tackle prospect with the right kind of size and athleticism that teams look for. Played one year at right tackle and two years on the left side at Georgia, where he rarely missed time. Improved his protection prowess each year with the Bulldogs and may be the first offensive lineman taken in the draft. Not flashy at the combine but solid enough to prevent any red flags.
COMBINE NOTABLES
5.22 40-yard dash
21 bench reps
30.5-inch vertical
109-inch broad jump
7.58-second 3-cone drill (4th)
4.66 20-yard shuttle (6th)
VIKINGS' COMPATIBILITY RANKING
2.5 out of 5. Might be tough for enough teams to overlook Thomas for the Vikings' to give him much thought.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT DRAFT EXPERTS SAY
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: "Three-year starter and current bellcow of a line that is a consistent front-runner for the Joe Moore Award. He's played both tackle spots but may get first crack at playing on the left side, due to the dearth of talent there. Thomas is a gritty player with above-average recovery talent to "get the job done" when his process breaks down. He's a Day 1 starter who comes in well-coached and technically savvy, but occasional leaning, lunging and inconsistent knee bend in pass pro could be isolated and attacked by pass-rush wolves looking to feast if he doesn't get those areas cleaned up."
Joe Marino, Draft Network: "Thomas enters the NFL experienced in a pro scheme and executing against the best opponents college football has to offer. As a run blocker, Thomas is outstanding and profiles as an immediate impact blocker in that regard. With that said, there is a need for growth with his footwork in pass protection to develop consistency handling speed. There may be some lowlights early on as he irons out his technique but Thomas has all the gifts needed to become a high quality left tackle in the NFL."
WHAT PFF SAYS
5 sacks allowed in three-year career
92.4 overall grade as junior
91.3 run-blocking grade (among college football's best)
CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE:
EXPLORING VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.