Alabama football’s Evan Neal found his new home
Evan Neal was a starter for Alabama football for three years at three different positions. After an elite career with the Tide, he finally found his NFL home after being drafted by the New York Giants.
Neal was seen as a top prospect since the beginning of the 2022 season. With his size and athleticism, he has traits that few humans have, and he can do things that cannot be taught. His insane upside is why he was considered a candidate to go first overall at the end of the NFL season. However, the Jaguars resigning Alabama football’s Cam Robinson took away the need at left tackle, and the rise of Ikem Ekwonu put Neal’s draft position in jeopardy.
There were also injury concerns that moved Evan Neal down draft boards. Still, he was a lock to go in the top 10 of the 2022 NFL Draft. He may not be the first player drafted, but he at least found a home with the Giants as the second tackle drafted.
Neal has versatility as a lineman. He can play guard or tackle, and he started a year at both left and right tackle. That means that he can begin his NFL career almost anywhere before eventually moving to a left tackle position if the team needs it to happen. However, he also has the upside to be a left tackle as a rookie.
The Giants like Andrew Thomas as the team’s left tackle, so Neal will likely begin his NFL career as the team’s right tackle. Either way, he will be a great player for the Giants.
This pairs Neal with Brian Daboll, Alabama football’s former offensive coordinator. Daboll took the job as New York’s head coach, and this is the team’s first pick since making the change.
Evan Neal will be protecting Daniel Jones, and he will make things easier for the Giants offense.