WATCH: Evan Neal's parents share touching message after his 2022 NFL Draft selection
The New York Giants selected Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Offensive line was a glaring need for the Giants, and they hope that they have found a long-term solution after adding Neal.
Following Neal’s selection in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night, his parents shared a touching message with him. Neal’s parents said that he has been manifesting this for most of his life, and his goals he set for himself have come true.
Neal was the Giants’ second pick of the first round, as they also selected Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5 overall pick on Thursday. Adding both Thibodeaux and Neal is an impressive haul for the Giants, addressing two major areas that were in need of improvement.
After being drafted by the Giants, Neal is set for an impressive NFL rookie contract. He is set to sign a fully guaranteed four-year, $24.5 million contract with the Giants. The deal will also include a $15 million signing bonus and will include a fifth-year option.
What NFL Draft analysts were saying about Evan Neal entering Round 1
Ahead of the NFL Draft, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein broke down the draft stock of most prospects in this year’s class. When assessing Neal’s status as a top prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zierlein pointed to his experience as a reason for the former Alabama starter being such a highly touted prospect.
“Three-year starter with rare combination of measurables, talent and pedigree. Neal has experience against the best competition the college game has to offer,” Zierlein said. “He has started at both left and right tackle and should project on the left side if he can continue to manage his weight.
“While he has flashes of greatness on tape, he doesn’t always maintain that level throughout a game. Intensity and consistency are two areas that will be key in matching performance with profile. Technique has been drilled into him and Neal plays with good fundamentals across the board.”