From Draft Promise to Disappointment

The New York Giants' 2022 NFL draft class carried championship aspirations, but no pick fell shorter of expectations than Evan Neal. Selected 7th overall from Alabama's championship program, the 6'7", 350-pound tackle was supposed to anchor Big Blue's offensive line for a decade. Instead, his first three seasons became a case study in unfulfilled potential.

A Rocky Start at Tackle

Neal's rookie campaign set alarm bells ringing - 7 sacks allowed and 7 penalties in 13 games according to Pro Football Focus tracking. By 2023, injuries reduced him to just seven appearances where he still surrendered 2 sacks and 5 penalties. His frustration boiled over publicly when he called critical fans "sheep," creating unnecessary locker room tension.

The Guard Experiment

Facing career crossroads in 2024, the Giants made a strategic pivot. New offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo moved Neal to guard, reviving his college experience from Alabama's 2019 season. The logic was clear: maximize his raw power in confined spaces while minimizing his struggles against edge speed.

Early Signs of Progress

2025 training camp revealed a transformed player. Teammates noted Neal's improved leverage and hand placement during drills. "He's finally using his size instead of fighting it," observed ESPN's Jordan Raanan after watching practice sessions. This development translated to games - through Week 6, Neal hadn't allowed a sack in 217 pass-blocking snaps per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Changing the Giants' Fortune

Neal's position switch created ripple effects across the offense:

• New York's rushing attack jumped from 28th to 12th in yards per game
• Quarterback pressures decreased 18% compared to 2024
• Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. averages 4.7 yards behind Neal's gap blocks

The Leadership Factor

Perhaps most surprisingly, the once-maligned lineman has emerged as a vocal leader. "Evan's calling protections now - that's unheard of for a first-year guard," head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. This growth couldn't be timelier with veteran QB Daniel Jones recovering from ACL surgery.

Proving the Doubters Wrong

While durability concerns linger (19 missed games since 2022), Neal's redemption tour offers hope. His 78.3 PFF grade through Week 6 ranks 14th among guards - a dramatic leap from his 48.9 tackle rating last season. If maintained, he could follow All-Pro guards like Zack Martin who similarly improved after Position Changes.

As the Giants push for playoff contention, Neal's career revival serves as a reminder: in the NFL, second chances can rewrite legacies when talent meets proper coaching and self-awareness.

Keywords: Evan Neal, New York Giants, guard position