New York Giants third-year offensive tackle Evan Neal hasn't come close to meeting his pre-draft expectations. The impending 2024 campaign qualifies as a make-or-break one for Neal. The Giants will admit defeat and move on next offseason if he doesn't establish himself as a long-term starter at right tackle.
A midseason MCL injury prevented Neal from playing a complete slate of games during his rookie season. He appeared in 13 regular-season contests and started both Giants' playoff games. It was a successful season for the Giants, but his performances left plenty to be desired. Pro Football Focus assigned Neal a pass-blocking grade of 47.5 and a run-blocking grade of 48.2.
Neal’s sophomore season didn’t welcome much-needed improvement. The former Alabama standout was eventually placed on IR with a fractured ankle injury that was originally diagnosed as a sprain. The entire offensive line was a mess with the Giants allowing a league-high and franchise-record 85 sacks. Neal's metrics somehow got worse, finishing the season prematurely with a PFF pass-blocking grade of 38.5. He’ll (and they’ll) need to be better in front of quarterback Daniel Jones this season, who is entering a make-or-break season of his own.
The Giants responded by hiring Carmen Bricillo to be their new offensive line coach. His top priority is to course-correct the technical aspects of Neal’s game.
Carmen Bricillo on Evan Neal https://t.co/ZudCPIQ8NC pic.twitter.com/ZS3qAh4Ip3
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) May 31, 2024
All in all, Neal has allowed 12 sacks and 91 pressures through his first 20 career games before missing the last 10. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll appear to be hellbent on giving their underachieving first-rounder every opportunity to salvage his tenure. A massive season looms.
Unfortunately, it has not been a healthy offseason for Neal as he continues to rehab from the ankle fracture. Neal did not practice during organized team activities (OTAs) or mandatory minicamp, and the expectation is that he'll return to the field in time for training camp. Neal potentially suffered a setback in his rehab when he was relegated to riding the stationary exercise bike during the spring.
The Giants may be better prepared in 2024 if Neal suffers another injury or continues to underperform. Schoen signed veteran offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor to a two-year contract in free agency—though in a bit of a surprising move, he's being penciled in to start at left guard despite playing right tackle for the Raiders last season. The Giants would have an option to replace Neal with Eluemunor should they decide to do so.
Jon Runyan Jr. was also acquired via free agency to be the starting right guard. Veteran guard Aaron Stinnie was another addition and could play left guard if Eluemunor eventually slid to Neal's spot. Fellow 2022 draft pick Joshua Ezeudu is the swing tackle behind Neal and Andrew Thomas, though he appears to possess untapped potential at guard, a position the Giants haven't yet played him at.
Neal's career has been borderline disastrous thus far, both from injury and performance perspectives. If the Okeechobee, Florida native wasn't a top-10 pick, the Giants would have likely already made succession plans. Neal's draft status will offer him another opportunity to meet the potential he flashed at Alabama. It's sink-or-swim in 2024.
