Evan Neal, Kayvon Thibodeaux share what they learned about Giants through draft process

On3 imageby:Barkley Truax05/25/22

BarkleyTruax

On3 image
David Becker/Getty Images

While it’s every NFL prospect’s goal to try and stand out from the rest of the draft pool during the pre-draft process, it’s also important for the franchise interviewing these soon-to-be rookies to make great first impressions on the players as well.

Following the 2022 NFL Draft, New York Giants’ first-round picks in former Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and former Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal addressed what stood out about the Giants prior to draft night.

“I like to see how people think,” Thibodeaux said. “I like to see what was their train of thought, so for me, I’m coming in and I would ask them what’s their perspective on the draft, how they think this is going to play out, or what’s their perspective on the upcoming season?

“[The Giants] really have it down to a tee, and when you talk about a man with a master plan, they have the master plan. Now, it’s just about really for us to buy into that culture.”

Thibodeaux brings his reputation as a quarterback hunter to New York, as the former Ducks star finished seventh in Oregon football history with 19 career sacks, seven of which came during his final season while playing in 11 games. He was a disruptor elsewhere in the backfield as well, totaling 123 tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles.

“You definitely want to ask questions going through this process,” Neal said. “One thing that I realized is that this organization, they’re really trying to get back to that winning culture and that’s something that I really respect. So, I’m just thankful and glad to be a part of it.”

Neal brings the same type of winning mindset to the offensive line, but of course, doesn’t have any statistics to back it up, but with 40 starts for the Crimson Tide under his belt, Neal broke through and was named a consensus first-team All-American by multiple outlets. At 6-foot-7, 337 pounds, he’s got everything an NFL team is looking for in a future All-Pro offensive tackle, and he’s getting paid like one right off the bat.

Most importantly to the Giants, Neal can be used anywhere across the offensive line. He has played at both the guard and tackle position in college and is open to moving around if needed.

Thibodeaux signed a four-year, $31.3 million guaranteed rookie contract with $20 million signing bonus, while his fellow draftee Neal signed a four-year, $24.6 million, full guaranteed contract as well, along with a $15 million signing bonus to boot.

With the Giants clearly believe both athletes are diamonds in the rough and deserving of the money. Now, it’s Neal and Thibodeaux’s job to prove the Giants front office right.