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Cincinnati Bengals fans have heard a lot about Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal this summer.
Neal, after all, has been a staple of 2022 NFL mock drafts, joining the Bengals in the top five in various mocks.
That’s again the case in a new mock draft from Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling, who has Neal falling to the Bengals at fourth overall (with the draft order based on Super Bowl odds).
Not bad — Neal has experience at guard and tackle, is a giant (6’7″, 360 pounds) and has already excelled in the SEC.
Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson outlined important details:
“Neal’s contribution was once again spectacular. On 810 snaps, he was credited with conceding just 1.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, and 3 pressures. He also was called for just 3 penalties and missed only 6 assignments all season. Despite all the offensive weaponry, it was their behemoth of a right tackle who took home Offensive Player of the Week honors after the clash with Mississippi State.”
That’s just what the Bengals need at right tackle, to say the least. Veteran Riley Reiff might be a solid one-year presence, but Neal is the sort of prospect who could lock down the right side for a long time while Jonah Williams handles the left side.
For more proof, consider Neal has some very rare advanced stats going for him already. If the Bengals are drafting this high next year, landing the draft’s first offensive tackle isn’t a bad way to go.
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