Commanders: Stealing one player from each NFC East foe in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders steal Andrew Thomas
- Offensie Tackle | New York Giants
As stated previously, the Washington Commanders think they've found the right formula for legitimate progress on their offensive line. While there wasn't much spare cash available with the ownership in flux for a few more weeks at least, those in power brought two immediate starters in free agency and some high-upside prospects that might fill key rotational roles immediately via the 2023 NFL Draft.
That said, it's still a precarious situation. No player currently slotted to start on Washington's protection would be classed as a blue-chip player - a franchise presence that every leading contender needs in crucial moments.
Charles Leno Jr. is currently set to be the Commanders' left tackle. He is dependable and solid if not spectacular, but stealing Andrew Thomas from the New York Giants for this article's purposes is the easy call to make.
Thomas endured some indifferent production as a rookie but flourished ever since. The former first-round selection out of Georgia is widely considered to be among the league's best blindside figures, giving up three sacks and two penalties in 2022 en route to a phenomenal 89.1 grade from Pro Football Focus.
The scary thing about Thomas is he's only going to get better as the player's prime years beckon. This would also be the stable left tackle Washington has craved since their decision to trade away Trent Williams to the San Francisco 49ers, which backfired spectacularly.