Q: How big of a surprise was this to go four and to go to the Giants? What was your interaction with them throughout?
A: Yeah, so I had a couple Zoom calls with them (in) this process and I had a formal meeting with them down at the combine. But I was excited to get the call, it came like three minutes before the pick. I just thank God for the blessing.
Q: Did you think beforehand that this was a possible landing point for you, and what was your reaction when you realized you were going to end up in New York?
A: I really didn't know where I was going to end up. But when they made the call, I was obviously excited. I'm ready to get to work and get down to New York.
Q: Have you had a chance to process blocking for Daniel Jones and opening up running lanes for Saquon Barkley? What is fitting into an offense with this kind of talent around you, what do you think you can bring to that scheme and bring to the Giants?
A: I'll do my best to protect the quarterback, open up lanes. It's a blessing to be able to play with guys as talented as they are.
Q: How exciting is it be joining a team with so many young, talented players, especially on offense like Saquon, like Daniel Jones, Darius Slayton. Are you looking forward to growing with a group like that?
A: Definitely. Those guys are very talented. I'll be looking up to those guys to teach me the ropes, working hard to help the program.
Q: Washington drafted Chase Young at two overall. The Giants took you to protect Daniel Jones and Saquon, but also to go up against guys like Chase Young. Joe Judge said in large part the Giants drafted you because of your ability against top pass rushers. What's your confidence level going against guys like Chase Young and top pass rushers around the league?
A: Confidence comes with preparation, understanding the playbook, learning from the vets week in and week out. Going against guys that have been playing in the league for 10 years, who are very good at what they do, so for me, it's a mental thing and like I said, having confidence in myself for my preparation.
View photos from the college career of Georgia OT Andrew Thomas.
FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photo, Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) is shown in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Murray State, in Athens, Ga. Thomas was selected to The Associated Press All-American team, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) blocks Auburn defensive end Nick Coe (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Nashville, Tenn. Thomas was selected to The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference football team, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
Georgia offensive linemen Solomon Kindley (66) and Andrew Thomas (71) block Vanderbilt defensive lineman Rutger Reitmaier (94) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) lines up against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) plays against Missouri during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) is shown in action against the Murray State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) pursues against the Vanderbilt Commodores during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) is shown in action against South Carolina in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athensw. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) blocks Auburn defensive end Nick Coe (91) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) is shown on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) prepares for action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Murray State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) warms up before the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Georgia running back Nick Chubb (27) lifts Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) up in the air as they celebrate Chubb's touchdown run against Georgia Tech during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Georgia won 30-6. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (71) is shown on the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas does the bench press at the NFL football scouting combine Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AJ Mast/AP Images for NFL)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs a drill during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, in Indianapolis. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Andrew Thomas speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
Q: Dave (Gettleman) talked about watching you go up against Josh Allen and some of the top pass rushers in the SEC. I'm curious who the toughest pass rusher you've played against was and how it's going to prepare you for going up against the Chase Youngs and DeMarcus Lawrences and Brandon Grahams of the world?
A: Yeah, playing in the SEC, I've gone against a few pretty good pass rushers. Like I said, week in and week out, you have to be prepared going against guys like Josh Allen, (K'Lavon) Chaisson this year was a pretty good rusher. It just prepares you a little bit for what you're going to see in the NFL.
Q: Can you talk about your versatility, the opportunity to play left and right tackle and how that's prepared you for this level?
A: Yeah, at Georgia I started off at right tackle as a freshman and made the transition my sophomore year. I played at left tackle for the next two years. I think that definitely helps. Having experience playing both sides will be something that will be an asset for me.
Q: I see you have the nice New York Giants hat there. How many hats did you have there just in case?
A: The NFL sent us a package with 32 hats for all the teams. Just in case you got picked, you had the hat ready.
Q: What are you going to do with the other ones?
A: Probably give them to my friends.
Q: Who was with you tonight to share your special moment?
A: Immediate family, my agent, my mentor and a few of my close friends just to be here celebrating with me.
Q: Who is your mentor?
A: His name is Kevin Johnson. He was my offensive line coach at Pace Academy.
Q: I know you said you wanted to learn a lot from Daniel and Saquon. What kind of responsibility do you feel towards them? You are the guy they brought in to be Daniel's protector and to open holes for Saquon.
A: For me, I'm just focusing on what I can control and that's just getting better. It's hard to tell with the pandemic but just moving forward (focus on) communicating with the team, learning the playbook and doing what I can to stay in shape so I can be prepared when I have to step on the field.
Q: Going into tonight, did it matter to you to be the number one tackle off the board?
A: Definitely, I work hard every day to be the best. I don't understand why you would play this game if you don't want to be the best. It definitely meant something.
Q: Were you pretty confident that that was the way it was going to end up?
A: I wasn't sure exactly how it was going to go. You never know with the draft. I thank God for blessing me and putting me in this position.
Q: There was lot of conversation about who was the best tackle. What did you think of it and how much did you hear about it?
A: Obviously you see it with social media and things like that. For me, I just try to focus on what I can control. I can't control what other guys may do or what the media may say. All I can do is work on my craft and do what I need to do to be prepared when I step on the field.
Q: Were you surprised by the perception that people had?
A: No, people are entitled to their own opinion. For me, it's just a matter of what the coaches think of me and definitely what my teammates think of me.
Q: What are your next couple of weeks and months going to look like? How have you been able to deal with this and is everybody in your family healthy?
A: My family is doing well, thanks for asking. I was blessed to be able to train at Dash performance, I have a relationship with the owner there. It's shut down to the public, but he lets me and my trainer come in there and get some work in to try to stay in shape.
Q: Dave Gettleman mentioned your matchup with Josh Allen from two years ago. Coming out of that matchup, was there more confidence that you gained out of going up against him considering he ended up as the seventh overall pick.
A: Definitely, I'm a competitor. I want to go up against the best guys and test my limits against them. Going up against him and having a pretty good game meant a lot to me. I put in a lot of hard work to get there.
Q: What is more rewarding, keeping a guy from touching the quarterback or grinding it out on the ground the way you guys did?
A: I would probably say grinding it out on the ground. I definitely want to protect the quarterback, but the run game, I love it.
Q: You have a couple of your former college teammates up here. What's your relationship like with Lorenzo Carter and DeAndre Baker like?
A: I remember being a freshman with Zo being a senior here. It's going to be exciting to be back with him. With D-Bake, I talk to him every now and then. I'm excited to get in the locker room and be with those guys again.
Q: Were you in touch with them during the process at all?
A: Not really, but I know Lorenzo hit me up right after I got drafted, so I will probably talk to him later today.
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