His NFL career has not gone as expected, to say the least. When the New York Giants selected the former Alabama standout with the No. 7 overall pick, fans were hopeful he’d become a cornerstone tackle for years to come.
However, things haven’t played out that way. Neal has struggled through his first three seasons, with many already labeling him a first-round bust. After a difficult 2022 campaign, his performance only declined in 2023, and last season, he saw limited playing time.
Because of this, Giants fans have been pushing for head coach Brian Daboll to shift Neal to guard, as he has failed to develop as a tackle. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, that move is now expected to happen this offseason
“The expectation is that Evan Neal will be moved to guard at some point this offseason,” Raanan reported. However, this likely won’t prevent the Giants from pursuing a veteran guard to strengthen the position.
Neal was a dominant force at Alabama, which led to the Giants selecting him in the first round of the 2022 draft. He and Kayvon Thibodeaux, taken at No. 5 overall that year, were expected to help reshape the franchise.
That vision has yet to materialize, as the Giants currently hold the No. 3 overall pick after a 3-14 record in 2024. The previous season, they finished 6-11 and drafted wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall. With the upcoming draft, there is speculation that the Giants will prioritize a quarterback, with Cam Ward emerging as a potential target.
As for Neal, he is determined to change the narrative surrounding his career and avoid being remembered as one of the Giants’ biggest draft disappointments. A move to guard could provide him with the fresh start he needs to make the impact many expected from him. Alabama fans will certainly be rooting for his success.