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Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas an 'all-around' talent on, off the field

INDIANAPOLIS -- Andrew Thomas didn't bat an eye during his NFL Combine meeting with the Browns. No matter how bad the play they made him watch of himself, Thomas was comfortable. 

This was the same way the talented left tackle made himself better throughout a banner career at Georgia.

"When I watch film of myself I really don't look at the good plays," Thomas said. "I like to watch the plays that I messed up and try to figure out how I can do better."

Obviously, there were far more good plays than bad during Thomas' three years with the Bulldogs. That's why he's among the top-rated players at his position in a year that could see as many as five offensive tackles selected in the top half of the draft.

Like Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills Jr. and others vowing to be the first tackle selected, Thomas made his case for why he believes he's the best possible option. Simply put, he's been one of the best for the past two years in the SEC, college football's premier conference that has nearly 100 players in Indianapolis this week.

"I think I'm all around the best," Thomas said. "I can run block, I can pass block, I'm coachable, I'm a technician. That's what makes me the best."

Check out photos of players interviewing at the 2020 NFL Combine

Thomas also has significant experience at both left and right tackle. He found a spot in Georgia's starting lineup as a true freshman, playing all 15 games at right tackle during the Bulldogs' run to the College Football Playoff national championship game. Over the past two seasons, Thomas has held down the left tackle position on one of college football's best offensive lines. He earned Walter Camp first-team All-American recognition on top of a slew of other honors.

So why isn't he the consensus top tackle in the draft? NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, who ranks Thomas as the 25th-best overall prospect and the fourth-best tackle, says it's because of doubts in Thomas' pass-blocking ability.

Thomas is a thick, powerful offensive tackle. In pass protection, he has average foot quickness in his set, but he possesses a powerful punch and strong anchor. He gets in trouble at times because his base is too wide; he lunges and loses balance. He plays with good overall awareness. He is a dominant run blocker. He can uncoil and uproot defenders over his nose and has the strength to wash defenders down the line of scrimmage on down blocks. He is effective working up a level when he can stay on one track, but he struggles to redirect in space. Overall, some teams view Thomas as a guard, but I believe he can hold up at tackle if he improves his balance issues.

The questions Thomas has received in meetings with teams have gone beyond the football field. He's not only a talented football player, but also a musician who enjoys playing the drums and piano. At his school's pep rallies, Thomas would play with the band before throwing on a jersey to be with his teammates.

Thomas says he's "about a five" out of 10 when it comes to playing the piano. Clearly, his grade as an offensive tackle is much higher, especially with the mindset he carries while examining some of the bad plays from his college career.

"(Teammates) would laugh about it, but one of my best friends did the same thing," Thomas said. "So we both played in the drumline and then came over and played for the football team so it wasn't too hard.

"I still love music but I put my focus on football, and I'm here now."

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