Giants Recent First-Round 'Bust' Faces Make-Or-Break Situation
New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal was supposed to bring about positive change for the organization.
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As the former No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the second top-10 pick by the then-new regime, Neal and EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux were expected to usher in a new era of Giants football.
But what the fan base has been given, on the field, has been much of the same.
Thibodeaux now finds his name daily in the trade rumor mill. But Neal is worse off.
Neal's tribulations have been well documented. He has struggled in his natural tackle position and has moved inside to guard. The Giants hope this position change will finally allow the Alabama Crimson Tide product to show he belongs as a starter — and a good one — in the NFL.
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There are now financial reasons Giants fans want to see that happen this year.
Neal is one of 26 players on the current Giants roster in the final year of his contract. That's why The Athletic called Neal the team's biggest contract worth watching.
"Neal earned plenty of starting reps this spring as the Giants managed their starters' workloads," The Athletic said. "Now, Neal's most likely path to a starting spot would be beating out the 35-year-old Greg Van Roten for the right guard role. How the position switch goes will determine Neal's future in New York."
Neal's struggles throughout his career are a clear example of the issues that general manager Joe Schoen has had throughout his run with the team. If Neal doesn't pan out at guard, then the Giants will have wasted a top-10 pick on an offensive lineman no longer on the team five years later.
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Too many 2025 failures like that? There's a good chance Schoen won't be around much longer, either.
It's quite simple for Neal. One, play well and salvage his career. Or two, struggle to beat out veteran role players and end up being the first of many changes while being stuck with the dreaded "bust'' label.
Related: Kelce Raves About Giants' Late-Round Steal At Tight End
Related: Giants Offensive Line Given Brutally Harsh Grade by PFF
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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