With the seventh pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the New York Giants select Alabama OT Evan Neal.
GRADE: A.
Ikem Ekwonu might be the more powerful tackle in this class, and Charles Cross is the better pass-protector, but there isn’t a more versatile, high-level offensive lineman in this class, and that’s what the Giants desperately need. He reminds me of Andrew Whitworth, in that he’s plug-and-play wherever you line him up.
Height: 6’7 1/2″ (95th) Weight: 337 (94th)
40-Yard Dash: N/A
10-Yard Split: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
Wingspan: 83 inches (83rd)
Arm Length: 34 inches (65th)
Hand Size: 10 1/8 inches (61st)
Bio: Rated as the No. 1 offensive tackle and the No. 8 player in the nation in the Rivals 100, Neal chose Alabama over Florida State, Georgia, Miami and Oklahoma. He started his collegiate career at left guard in 2019, allowing one sack and 12 total pressures on 723 overall reps. Neal switched to right tackle in 2020, allowing two sacks and nine total pressures on 789 snaps. Moving to left tackle in 2021 was no problem for Neal, who gave up two sacks and 15 total pressures. Basically, wherever he lined up, Neal was a plus starter against the NCAA’s toughest defenses.
Neal chose to work out at his pro day, foregoing the scouting combine, but he looked abnormally lean and athletic at his height and weight, and that showed up when he did do the drills.
Boy his movement skills looks GOODT! https://t.co/1UYPvr1vCA
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) March 30, 2022
Stat to Know: In his first 11 games as the Crimson Tide’s left tackle in 2021, Neal allowed no sacks, one quarterback hit, and nine quarterback hurries.
Strengths: As a pass-blocker, Neal has a quick and easy set and slide through the arc. Once he’s in his stance and comfortable, it’s tough to get around him unless you have epic speed to turn and bend the corner. Neal doesn’t have Charles Cross’ mirror ability, but it’s more than good enough.
When Neal gets his hands out quickly and decisively, you’re just about done. He showed this against Georgia’s Travon Walker in the College Football Championship — this is where he gets his root strength and power going. You are not going to enjoy this if you are Mr. Neal’s target.
And for a player his size, Neal can easily get to the second level in the run game when that’s required. He’ll bring his power with him when he gets there. Neal isn’t the most naturally agile tackle in this class, but given the power he plays with, it’s a more than acceptable balance.
Weaknesses: This rep against Travon Walker in the College Football Championship shows one thing that could be cleaned up — Neal isn’t always aggressive enough with his hands, which allows the defender to set the tone and pace. If he stabbed and latched more quickly and decisively, he’d be just about illegal. Because when he does, he is.
Neal can get over-involved in the first part of a stunt technique, which leaves him vulnerable on the outside.
Conclusion: Playing three different line positions as a starter for the NCAA’s most intimidating program over three straight years, and presenting a plus profile in each case? It’s all in a day’s work for Neal, who has an expert’s touch in making everything look much easier than it actually is. There are a few small things Neal could improve in his game, but the NFL team selecting him will have a professional offensive lineman from Day 1. That’s not a projection; Neal has essentially been a professional offensive lineman for a while now.
NFL Comparison: Andrew Whitworth. The recently retired future Hall-of-Famer, selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2006 (!) draft, spent his career doing all the right things whether he was aligned at guard (early in his career) or left tackle. Whitworth wasn’t the most athletic NFL tackle at any point in his career, but he used power and an understanding of angles and opponents to limit any potential defensive damage in both the run and the passing game. Neal has a similar profile as a player who doesn’t blow you away with rep-to-rep splash plays, but just gets things done wherever he is in the line.