ATHENS — Outgoing Georgia All-American offensive tackle Andrew Thomas is projected to be the first Bulldogs’ player taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.
But Thomas, one of five Bulldogs’ underclassmen who declared for the draft, is by no means a finished product, according to ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
“Andrew Thomas, who has dropped a little bit, needs some technique work,” Kiper said on a national teleconference on Wednesday.
“Plays a little high, so he’s got to get down lower or those quick bend guys might give him a little bit of trouble,” Kiper said. “So he’s got to improve that technique a bit. But he’s got a lot of talent and he works hard.”
And, offensive tackles are highly valued.
So even though Kiper has Thomas rated fifth among offensive tackles in the draft, he still has him going No. 18 overall to the Miami Dolphins per his NFL Mock Draft 2.0.
“Thomas, like I said before, he’s still not where he needs to be, Kiper said. “He’s not a finished product.
“At 18 (pick overall), he would be a developmental left tackle.”
Kiper broke down outgoing quarterback Jake Fromm on the same teleconference, saying the jury is largely out and much will be determined at the NFL combine next week.
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Georgia will have 10 players at the NFL combine, which begins Sunday and runs through March 2. Testing and drill work will take place largely in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive linemen will workout on Friday, Feb 29, along with kickers, special teams players and running backs (NFL Network).
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