One of the biggest busts of the 2020s, Evan Neal, is making a significant change in his career, switching from right tackle to guard.
After barely seeing the field in 2024, the New York Giants and Neal wanted to take one final swing to keep him around.
Will this change make Neal good enough to stay in the NFL?
Early Career Struggles
Coming out of college, Neal was looked at as one of the safest players in the draft, and a home run pick for Joe Schoen.
However, in his first two seasons, he was one of the worst starters in the NFL. He was a liability on every play, constantly allowing pressures and sacks. Despite his enormous build and athleticism, his poor play recognition, hand placement, and stance made him the player he is.
In 2023, Neal had the highest pressure rate among right tackles with 15.5% (minimum 250 pass block snaps). Because of his struggles, the Giants signed Jermaine Eluemunor in the 2024 offseason and put Neal on the bench.
After numerous injuries to the Giants’ offensive line last season, Neal saw the field once more. He was certainly not elite, but he showed that there is still untapped potential.
Turned Heads in OTAs
With OTAs being the first time Neal has played guard full-time for the Giants, he made quite an impression. Now, with his footwork not being as big of an issue at guard, he can rely a lot more on his size.
Neal, even against the stacked Giants defensive line, held his own in practices. If he continues to impress during training camp and preseason, he has a real shot at a contract extension and more playing time.
Should He Start This Season?
The Giants’ guard depth is laughably weak, with their starters being Jon Runyan and Greg Van Roten. Last season, the Giants gave up the fifth-most quarterback pressures in the NFL (253), along with the tenth shortest time to throw (2.73 seconds).
Since Runyan (27) is much younger than Van Roten (35) and gave up significantly fewer sacks last season (two compared to seven), Runyan is much more likely to keep his job. This gives Neal a very open opportunity to prove that he is the better guard.
Because the Giants have the toughest schedule in the league and a roster that’s far from championship contention, the best move is to develop their young players. Neal, entering his fourth season, has a much better chance of being a solid starter in the future than Van Roten, who is nearing retirement.
Starting Neal and giving him his final chance as an NFL player is the best move the Giants can make at the offensive line.
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