New York Giants select Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal in 2022 NFL Draft
The New York Giants are banking on Alabama product Evan Neal to come in and deliver stability immediately at the left tackle position. He did it for three years in Tuscaloosa, and he’s expected to do the same in his NFL career. That’s why the Giants took him off the board early in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday night, picking him No. 7 overall.
In his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, he helped guide the offense to two College Football Playoff berths, including a national title in 2020. This past season he earned first-team All-American honors as Bryce Young captured the first Heisman Trophy in Alabama history.
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.
“You can pretty much plug me in anywhere other than center and I’ll be able to come in and make an impact,” he said after his Pro Day.
Along with his ability to lead on the line, he brings a track record of dependability to New York. The 6-foot-7, 350-pound offensive tackle started in 40 games across his college career, including 15 games last season.
A former five-star plus recruit in the class of 2019, he was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. After playing his freshman season in his hometown at Okeechobee, Florida, he transferred to IMG Academy. Evan Neal was the second-ranked recruit coming out of Florida in his class.
What NFL draft analysts are saying about Evan Neal
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down what Neal can bring to the NFL in his recent scout of the offensive lineman’s draft profile. The analyst compared the Alabama product to Jordan Mailata, who is currently the starting left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL.com scout pointed out that playing against SEC competition for three seasons has prepared Neal to play right away and he has become significantly quicker on film after dropping 15 pounds in this last offseason.
“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.
“He’s well-versed and capable in a variety of run schemes and has correctable areas of improvement in pass protection. Neal will come into the league as a good NFL starter, but greatness will require additional attitude and action.”