In the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Giants made two first-round selections, both in the top 10. After selecting Kayvon Thibeadoux fifth overall, the Giants drafted again just two picks later. With no. 7 overall, they selected offensive tackle Evan Neal from Alabama.
Neal was considered one of the top tackles in his class. The team had a vision to pair him with Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas. Neal will be entering the final year of his rookie contract, and right now, it looks like the Giants won’t pick up his fifth-year option as his future is uncertain.
What Does the Future Hold for Former First-Round Pick Evan Neal?
After playing in 13 games at right tackle as a rookie, Neal suffered an ankle injury that eventually required surgery. As a result, he wasn‘t ready for the start of the 2024 training camp and lost his starting job at right tackle to free–agent signing Jermaine Eluemunor.
Neal ultimately ended up back in the starting lineup for seven games, as injuries and inconsistency forced the Giants to juggle their lineup on the offensive line. But even in the games Neal played, was he effective enough?
Should the Giants consider a position change first?
Compared to Neal’s 2023 season, he improved from a 39.8% overall grade to 61.2% this season, a career high. He went from ranking 80 out of 81 in 2023 tackles to 47 out of 81 this year. Neal was among two other offensive linemen who saw improvement for the Giants along John Micheal-Schmitz and Josh Ezuedu.
A seventh overall pick in the first round of the draft is a desirable pick. Yes, you fall out of the top five picks, but the player selected seventh should offer your team value and upside. It is evident Neal continues to struggle in pass protection, ranking 111 amongst 141 tackles and a PFF grade of 49.6% in 2024.
Pass protection, especially on the outside (left and right), requires quick feet, balance and the ability to mirror pass rushers who may be fast and shifty, having complex pass-rush moves. A tackle who struggles with this could have issues with kick-sliding, maintaining a wide base, or keeping balance under pressure. If Neal has trouble with lateral agility or recognizing defensive line stunts or blitzes, his pass-blocking grade will continue to suffer.
However, his numbers are more effective in the run game. He ranked ninth among 141 tackles with a PFF grade of 80.8%. Run-blocking traits are more about physical power, leverage, and aggressiveness. If Neal has stronger hands, good lower body drive and is quick to engage defenders, he could be better suited to clearing space in the run game.
How Moving to Guard Could Play to Neal’s Strengths and Alleviate Pass Protection Struggles
Neal has shown progress, more so in the run game, with a weakness in pass protection. Some attributes that could make him a better inside player than a tackle are the following:
Strength and Physicality:
A tackle with a strong base could thrive at guard due to similar traits being required for both positions. Guards often face inside defensive linemen who may lack the speed of edge rushers. Instead, they possess more power and quickness off the line of scrimmage. If Neal is more powerful and physically dominant he could excel at guard in the run game, helping to create running lanes.
Simpler Blocking Assignments:
Guards often have more straightforward assignments in the run game, such as down blocks, pull blocks or combo blocks. For a tackle with great power but not necessarily elite pass-blocking techniques, these responsibilities could be a better fit. The mental and technical demands of playing guard are typically less complex compared to those at tackle. Neal would face fewer edge rushers and fewer stunts if moved inside.
Reduces Pass Protection Strain:
Moving from tackle to inside can also alleviate some of the pressure up front caused on the outside. If Neal’s technical flaws are exposed at tackle, playing guard can help limit exposure in pass-rush situations. Guards typically face more powerful interior defensive linemen and are less likely to encounter the pure speed of outside edge rushers.
Another Lineman Moved from Tackle to Guard and Revitalized His Career
This change would allow Neal to move from tackle to guard, allowing him to utilize his strength in the run game while facing less demanding pass protection assignments. Look at Mekhi Becton with the Philadelphia Eagles, who turned his career around after being moved from tackle to guard this season. Becton is thriving in the Eagles’ offense after moving to right guard, contributing to Saquon Barkley’s success up front.
After playing tackle with the New York Jets, the expectation was that he was going to come to Philly and be a backup tackle behind Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. Instead, Becton was willing to move to right guard when run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland presented the idea.
Becton was a former offensive tackle drafted by the New York Jets 11th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. The switch to guard was made under Stoutland. He saw potential in Becton’s size: 6 foot 7, 325 pounds, with the skill set of an inside lineman. This move was made to maximize Becton’s abilities after he had dealt with injuries and inconsistencies at tackle.
According to Patricia Traina, Neal has an estimated fifth-year option of $17.412 million (basic option). She also goes on to confidently say the Giants will not be exercising Neal’s option.
Main Photo Courtesy of Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports – Imagn Images
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