NFL analyst predicts New York Giants' Evan Neal 'won't bust' after slow career start
New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal is running out of time to solidify is NFL career.
The No. 7 overall pick from the 2022 NFL draft was the second selection of general manager Joe Schoen's tenure with the Giants, taken just two spots after edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Between injuries and a lack of development at right tackle, it's been a rough start to his career for Neal, whose fifth-year option was declined by the team this offseason.
With that said, Neal still has some believers. When looking at a handful of NFL players who are running out of time to prove themselves, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports predicted Neal will eventually shake the bust label.
In many ways, Neal has been the face of the New York Giants' mostly porous offensive front since his arrival from Alabama, which initially brought plenty of promise. Injuries have torched his year-to-year availability, limiting him to 27 starts in his first three seasons, but he also made waves with frustrated fans in 2023 by suggesting he was above criticism. Neal apologized later, but his switch from tackle to guard ahead of 2025 indicates he's on his last opportunity to help Big Blue turn things around in the trenches.
Why he will bust: He's not even guaranteed a starting gig while competing with veteran Greg Van Roten at guard.Why he won't: He was a promising starting right tackle before; you don't just lose that degree of NFL traits up front.
Our prediction: Won't bust
Neal was finally moved off the right tackle position and is now competing at guard, taking reps on both sides of the line.
Neal has yet to put it together as a pass protector during his short time in the NFL. During the 2024 season, he allowed two sacks and 17 total pressures on 314 pass-blocking snaps while committing six penalties, per Pro Football Focus. He did grade out with a pretty strong run-blocking grade (80.8), however.
Time is certainly running out for the Alabama product, but if he can make the most of his opportunity at guard, there's still a path for him to have a solid career.
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