With two weeks left in the NFL regular season, it's about that time for draft analysts to put together their 2020 mock drafts.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay revealed his predictions in his first edition, and with the Jets picking at No. 7 overall at the moment, he sees them shoring up their offensive line with one of the best available prospects in Georgia OT Andrew Thomas.

Here's what he had to say about the left tackle:

"When you invest an early draft pick in a franchise quarterback, as the Jets did with Sam Darnold in 2018, you have protect him. New York hasn't, allowing 48 sacks this season (fourth most in the NFL). Both tackle positions could be upgraded in the offseason. Thomas is athletic and powerful, and he shows natural ability in the trenches."

The Jets' offensive line is certainly something GM Joe Douglas needs to improve this offseason, and if they do select Thomas, it would be an immediate upgrade. Kelvin Beachum is the Jets' current left tackle, but he may be more suited as a right tackle at this point in his career.

And as McShay points out, the Jets need help on that right side, too. Brandon Shell has been the man for them recently, but he was benched in Weeks 4 and 5 this season for Chuma Edoga. Edoga's injury forced Shell back in, but the Jets could use a replacement there as well.

Thomas has been a stud, protecting Jake Fromm's blindside for the past two seasons with the Bulldogs. At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Thomas possesses very long arms and mobility that you like to see in a tackle when going against top edge rushers. He's powerful in the run game and highly effective keeping the pocket intact when Darnold drops back to throw.

He fills a big need for the Jets, who could see a big shift in personnel on their offensive line in 2020.

Popular in the Community