The New York Giants will have a new quarterback this season.
However, there’s only so much anybody can do if the offensive line doesn’t hold up.
That’s why the Giants need Evan Neal to finally take a leap.
The offensive tackle has gotten some work at guard recently, and the coaching staff seems pleased with the early returns of the experiment.
“[Evan is] doing well so far. Excited to see when we put pads on what happens, but he’s embraced it, we’ve embraced it, it’s been good so far,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo told the New York Post. “Throughout the NFL, plenty of guys have moved from tackle to guard, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Neal started 13 games at guard as a freshman at Alabama, so this could be a smooth transition for him.
It also might be his final opportunity with the team.
The Giants declined his fifth-year option, so he will be playing on the final year of his rookie contract after he was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The 24-year-old will most likely battle for the right guard spot with veteran Greg Van Roten, with Jon Runyan Jr. as the starter on the other side.
Other former offensive tackles have struggled and then thrived making the switch to the interior.
Perhaps Neal will be able to follow a similar path, and judging by his size (6-foot-7, 340 pounds) and physical tools, the Giants might be on to something.
Head coach Brian Daboll can’t afford another subpar campaign or plenty of people could lose their jobs, and that includes Neal if he flops at guard.
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