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2020 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine mock with Redskins trading down

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 07: Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates after stopping the Baylor Bears offense in the first quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /

. Offensive Tackle. New York Jets. Andrew Thomas. 11. player. 30

Here’s another team that could really use an offensive tackle. The Jets are set to have four of their five starters on the offensive line hit free agency and aside from left tackle Kelvin Beachum, none were too good in 2019.

The Jets are going to have to try to overhaul their offensive line. They should look to bring back Beachum and maybe add a center or guard in free agency, but then they will likely look at tackles in the first round. Could they look at a receiver like Henry Ruggs or CeeDee Lamb? Sure.

But their need to protect Sam Darnold is greater than their need to get him weapons, at this juncture. Especially in a deep receiver class.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

The Jets also get lucky in this scenario as Andrew Thomas is one of the top talents left on the board. In fact, he may be the top talent. Thomas was once viewed as a likely top-five pick and the first tackle off the board, but the rise of some more athletic options have knocked him down a peg. Even still, Thomas is a sound blocker with good technique and a proven track record of strong play at Georgia.

For the Jets, Thomas would be a natural fit at left tackle if Beachum leaves. And if they re-sign him, Thomas could kick over to the right side. Conversely, the Jets could also target a free-agent tackle to man the right side and target a left tackle in the first round. A pairing of Thomas and Beachum would make sense, but so too could a pairing of Thomas and Jack Conklin. Or Bryan Bulaga. In a solid year for tackles in free agency and in the draft, the possibilities are endless.

If there is a run on tackles before this and another prospect gets pushed down, the Jets may opt to take that player instead. But for the time being, Thomas seems like a good bet and a perfect fit for one of the Jets’ biggest needs.

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