Latest news with #EvanNeal
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Giants' Evan Neal earns first-team reps at guard during OTAs
New York Giants' Evan Neal earns first-team reps at guard during OTAs New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal is getting one final shot to prove his worth to the team that drafted him. The No. 7 overall pick from the 2022 NFL draft has had a tumultuous start to his career, battling injuries and poor play while trying to establish himself as the starting right tackle. After the Giants declined the fifth-year option in his rookie contract this offseason, Neal is running out of chances to secure a long-term roster spot. After spending the first three years of his career working at the right tackle position, the Giants are giving the Alabama product a shot at competing for one of the guard spots, which is currently up for grabs alongside a pair of veterans. During Thursday's practice at organized team activities (OTAs), Neal was seen taking the majority of first-team reps at left guard with Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr. sidelined during team drills. Neal was part of the first draft class that Schoen had as general manager of the Giants in 2022 alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was the No. 5 overall pick in that draft. The former hasn't had much success at the NFL level since arriving so it's fair to say this is a make-or-break season for the 24-year-old. With Jermaine Eluemunor coming over last offseason in free agency, Neal wound up playing the fewest snaps of his career at right tackle (456). Though he excelled as a run blocker, he allowed 17 total pressures, including two sacks and five QB hits on 314 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Neal is set to be a free agent following the 2025 season so if there's a chance he can carve out a role as an interior offensive lineman, it may just be what saves his career.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Evan Neal named a player New York Giants should consider trading before Week 1
Evan Neal named a player New York Giants should consider trading before Week 1 Three years ago, Evan Neal was a promising prospect the New York Giants hoped would man their offensive tackle position for the next decade. Today, he is a man without a position and is likely playing his last season for the Giants after three disappointing years filled with injury and incompetence. The Giants have scrapped the idea that the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft is their answer at right tackle, shifting him to guard this spring in hopes he can win a roster spot. The notion of trading Neal is very real and, as he competes for a spot in their guard rotation, could heat up should he not acclimate to his new position. From Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report: There's no question who the most valuable trade asset for the New York Giants is. After drafting Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter third overall in April, the G-Men have three high-end edge-rushers in Carter, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Other teams have undoubtedly inquired about the availability of the latter. But unless Giants general manager Joe Schoen gets a 'Godfather' offer for Thibodeaux, there's no reason to make a deal. Not yet. It was Schoen who drafted Alabama tackle Evan Neal seventh overall in 2022. But after three mostly horrific years at tackle (including 22 missed games), New York head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that this year the team will try Neal out at left guard. 'He's a big man. He's got length. He's obviously a little bit taller than I'd say traditional guards, but he's played it,' Daboll said. 'He's played a number of positions since he's been at University of Alabama. He's been working hard this last month and a half and look forward to getting him out there.' Maybe Neal will pull a Mekhi Becton and blossom after kicking inside. But if he doesn't, Big Blue should look to flip the contract-year lineman to a team that believes it can salvage Neal's career. Neal won't be easy to trade and cutting him before or after June 1 will bring no cap relief to the Giants. If they can deal him, they will save $4 million on his $7.8 million cap hit. But that would be a long shot. Neal was once seen as a "can't-miss" prospect who has missed badly. It happens. For another team to think they can redeem him as a tackle in this league is unreasonable as he has been atrocious in pass protection against speed rushers. And the last time we checked, that's the main function of an NFL offensive tackle.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NFL analyst regrades New York Giants' 2022 draft class
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has four drafts under his belt since taking over in 2022. His first two were received as lukewarm while his last two have been graded as successes. CBS Sports draft analyst Pete Prisco recently did a regrade on the 2022 NFL draft, dropping his original grade from B+ to a B. 2022 Grade: B+ The Skinny: They had 11 picks and the first nine are still on the roster. That's good drafting. But the problem is they missed on their second first pick, tackle Evan Neal. He has struggled in his career after being the seventh player picked that year. They did get starters in edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was taken fifth overall in the draft, slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (second) and linebacker Micah McFadden(fifth). They also have a lot of backups from that draft who have played, including third-round offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu, who has 10 starts, corner Cor'Dale Flott (third), tight end Daniel Bellinger, who came in the fourth and defensive lineman D.J. Davidson, who was taken in the fifth. How I did: I loved the pick of Neal, which clearly hasn't worked out. I thought he could be among the best in football. That's a whiff. I liked the class because of Neal and Thibodeaux and Robinson. I didn't like the pick of Ezeudu in the third. New Grade: B Advertisement It's easy to agree with Prisco on many of his points here, especially on Evan Neal. They landed some solid talent that has already made their presence known with the club. The Giants exercised Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option but declined Neal's. That doesn't mean Neal is done with the Giants, however. They will shift him inside to guard this season and his career could take on a different path. Of all the picks, though, Micah McFadden is the only one that can be seen as a bargain. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL analyst regrades Giants' 2022 draft class
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Giants begin Phase 3: 9 things to watch during OTAs
New York Giants begin Phase 3: 9 things to watch during OTAs The New York Giants begin Phase 3 of the offseason workout program on Tuesday and open with their first of 10 practices of organized team activities (OTAs). Per the NFL: Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or "OTAs". No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted. The Giants' full list of OTA dates are as follows: May 27-28 May 30 June 2-3 June 5 June 9-10 June 12-13 The Giants will allow media access during three of those 10 practices, including May 28, June 5, and June 12. However, the team will also offer unique coverage of each practice through their various online properties and social media channels. Here are nine things to watch throughout OTAs: Walking wounded The Giants will see the return of several injured players during OTAs, including linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), safety Tyler Nubin (ankle), left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot), guard Jon Runyan Jr. (ankle), and tight end Theo Johnson (lis franc). All five saw their season end early in 2024 due to injuries. Meanwhile, linebacker Dyontae Johnson, who missed a large chunk of last season due to injury, is also expected to take the field. How these players are recovering is of significant importance to the Giants. Evan Neal, guard The Giants hinted that Evan Neal would shift inside to guard and that's exactly what's happening this offseason. For fans (and media), this will be the first opportunity to see the former first-round pick at his new position. It will also be the first time he takes snaps at guard in an 11-on-11 situation. Neal is entering the final year of his rookie contract and this will be the last chance he has to endear himself to the Giants' current regime. He'll compete for a starting job but is unlikely to beat out Greg Van Roten and rookie Marcus Mbow on the right side. Abdul Carter's position During rookie mini-camp, Abdul Carter took most of his snaps at outside linebacker. That's precisely where the Giants said he would begin his NFL career but given the presence of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, might the team tap into his versatility and move him around? Maybe they don't want to overwhelm Carter early, but it will be interesting to see if he takes reps at off-ball linebacker and with his hand in the dirt. Also, will the Giants include Carter in a NASCAR-like package? Offensive play-calling Who will have the playsheet and who will have the radio? That's the million-dollar question. Throughout rookie mini-camp and much of the offseason workout program, assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka appeared to be calling the plays. Still, head coach Brian Daboll, who handled those duties in 2024, is reluctant to make anything official until the preseason. Co-owner John Mara has hinted he'd like to see Daboll relinquish play-calling duties but stopped short of saying he'd demand it. OTAs could provide another look into the Giants' thinking. The quarterbacks All eyes will be on the Giants' four quarterbacks: Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Jaxson Dart, and Tommy DeVito. Wilson has been named the starter and OTAs will mark his first opportunity to practice against the defense in an 11-on-11 situation. Has he developed a rapport with his new receivers? Will he lean into downfield throws? How explosive can he and Malik Nabers be? Perhaps even more than Wilson, it will be interesting to see how Winston handled the reserve/mentorship role and how DeVito responds to the added pressure. His job is on the line but he's also more familiar with the team's offense than any of the three other quarterbacks. DeVito will not go down without a fight. Jaxson Dart Then there's rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart... Dart impressed during rookie mini-camp, but that was in a much more controlled environment. While OTAs won't result in live-fire play, Dart will face more aggressive defensive pressure and coverages. He'll also be throwing against veterans who have a much higher football IQ than the rookies he previously toasted. Watching Dart, the presumed long-term answer at quarterback, develop will be the highlight for most (if not all) Giants fans. Revamped secondary General manager Joe Schoen made a few big splash signing in free agency, adding cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland. What impact will those two veterans have on the otherwise young unit? Adebo is expected to serve as CB1, pushing third-year cornerback Deonte Banks down the depth chart a bit. How will he react to the "demotion" and can he rebound after an ugly sophomore slump? Meanwhile, how will Holland pair with Tyler Nubin and Dane Belton? And which remaining safety has the inside track to the fourth and final job? The secondary was a significant concern for the Giants a season ago but the addition of Adebo and Holland should strengthen the unit considerably. Defensive rotations In addition to Abdul Carter and his role, the Giants will need to sort out their rotations at linebacker and along the defensive line. They are expected to carve out a notable and versatile role for Chauncey Golston, who signed as a free agent in March, so where does he fit in? Will he play primarily along the defensive line or split snaps at linebacker? And if so, where does he fit into the rotation with Burns, Thibodeaux, and Carter? The Giants also signed Jeremiah Ledbetter and Roy Robertson-Harris before drafting Darius Alexander this offseason, so how does the D-line rotation shake out with Rakeem Nunez-Roches also present? Dexter Lawrence is the obvious starter at nose tackle, but who serves as his backup? Does Alexander get a shot or do D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley have the inside track on the backup job? There's a lot to be sorted out here. Other rookies/undrafted free agents Every year there is an undrafted rookie free agent who bursts onto the season and makes a 53-man roster. Some even go on to become superstars (see: Victor Cruz). The Giants brought in a sizable undrafted free agent crop highlighted by wide receiver Da'Quan Felton and safety Makari Paige. Do they rise to the top? And if not, which of the other UDFAs does? Then, of course, there is the remainder of the Giants' 2025 NFL draft class, including running back Cam Skattebo, who everyone is excited to watch. How he fits into the running back rotation may be among the underrated offseason storylines.
USA Today
08-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Giants finally prepared to move Evan Neal to guard?
New York Giants finally prepared to move Evan Neal to guard? As recently as the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen seemed uncertain about the future of Evan Neal. Although he wouldn't rule out moving him to guard, he was relatively noncommital. "We'll talk about that," Schoen said at the time. "Once we get through free agency and we see where we are and what we have, we'll talk about how do we get our best five on the field." ESPN's Jordan Raanan now reports that expectations are the Giants will finally cave and end the Neal at right tackle experiment, instead moving him inside to guard. Still, that will not stop Schoen from scouring the right guard market in free agency. The expectation is that Evan Neal will be moved to guard at some point this offseason. But that still is not likely to stop the Giants from addressing the right guard position with a proven veteran. The seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Neal has struggled early in his NFL career. He's dealt with various injury issues while being exposed by some of the league's top (and even mid) tier pass rushers. It's no guarantee the 6-foot-7, 340-pound Neal can make a seamless transition to guard -- a position he's never played -- but it may be the final opportunity Schoen has to get something out of one of his top draft picks.
