New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas told reporters on Wednesday that he won the most body fat competition this offseason.
Head coach Brian Daboll might have something to say about that, but perhaps this was players-only.
“I’m feeling great. Obviously, I had the hamstring last year, but I feel really well. Doing a lot of rehab stuff, a lot of Nordics and stuff like that, just to build that strength up, but I feel pretty good,” Thomas said. “I won the competition this year for the most body fat loss and stuff like that, building muscles, so I’ve been doing a good job, I feel great.”
The former Georgia product had a rough start to his career as he struggled allowing the most pressures in the league (57) in his rookie year. But he really came into form after this as he allowed 56 pressures over the next three seasons combined.
Thomas even earned Second-team All-Pro in the 2022 season. He was also insanely disciplined that year with no holding penalties or false starts and only allowed 21 pressures and 3.0 sacks all season.
Thomas was having a decent 2023 season before it got riddled with injury. However, he is feeling a lot better this offseason both physically and mentally.
For the offensive tackle, this can potentially translate into a dominant run game for the Giants.
“Yeah, for sure. I would say the first thing is just be dominant in the run game. I think that opens the offense up so well when you can consistently run the ball for four or five yards, and then in the pass game, just protect (Daniel Jones),” he said. “Last year we had, I think it was the most sacks ever, so our job this year is to protect DJ, give him an opportunity because we have skill guys so give him time, he can make plays.”
The Giants will need to drastically improve the offensive line if they want any chance to compete in the NFC East with the likes of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles edge rushes. It will need to begin with Thomas staying healthy and losing the most body fat is a great start.