Todd McShay raves about Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal

ESPN’s Todd McShay has released an updated NFL mock draft following the hectic week of trading inside the league. While there are some big changes in McShay’s entire projected first round, that is especially true right at the top of the board. Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal has been viewed as a possible, if not likely candidate to be taken first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. But in McShay’s latest mock, Neal is the fourth player taken in the draft, going to the New York Jets.

“Then another offensive tackle coming off the board at No. 4 to the New York Jets. I had Evan Neal, who again could be the No. 1 overall pick depending on what the Jaguars do,” McShay said. “He falls to No. 4 to the Jets and they would love to have him. He is a big, monster of a man, long arms, very good in pass protection, can work on his balance a little bit, but he’s also a grinder in the run game and he’s so smart. You’re getting a smart, ready to play football player at the next level.”

In front of Neal, McShay had Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson going first overall to Jacksonville, Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton going second to Detroit, and NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu going third to Houston.

Neal will likely be a top four pick in the NFL Draft

While Neal fell a bit in McShay’s latest mock, that isn’t saying anything about his ability. Neal had a good NFL Combine, and he is still viewed as one of the best players in this draft class. But Hutchinson and Hamilton are intriguing and potentially franchise altering defensive players.

Neal and Ekwonu are seen as potential star offensive linemen in the NFL, and both will be selected very early. The Jaguars could opt to take Neal or Ekwonu to try and protect young quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Lions could seemingly take a shot on Neal too, depending on what the Jaguars do with the first pick in the draft.

Ekwonu gets a lot of praise for his ability to play all over the offensive line. But Neal is pretty versatile too. Neal has a unique skillset that will fit in well in the NFL right out of the gate. He can probably play left tackle right away, and his versatile is just another plus for teams across the league.

“Biggest thing I bring to a franchise is versatility,” Neal said at the NFL Combine.