Giants seeking an opening for Evan Neal, moving him to guard
Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal during training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., on Tuesday. Credit: Ed Murray
Evan Neal had no difficulty accepting his position change from tackle to guard. It’s just a job — one that could alter his NFL career
Neal didn’t sound pressured or flustered when he discussed it for the first time Tuesday. Both Giants general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll said Neal accepted the decision as whatever was best.
The fourth-year veteran confirmed it by saying he was just glad to keep playing football, even if it means re-learning a role he last played in 2019 as a freshman at Alabama.
“It’s a new position but at the end of the day, it’s all football,” he said. “From a schematic standpoint, the playbook is just a bit different, some of the technique is a bit different but at the end of the day, it’s football."
Neal has lined up at both right and left guard with the second unit. He’s also been at right guard with the first team mixing in reps with last year’s starter Greg Van Roten.
It’s a sign the Giants are giving him every opportunity to earn the position. He needs it because his future with the Giants is up in the air.
The team declined his fifth-year option back in April. So Neal’s not just fighting to earn reps. He's also playing for a new contract after the season.
It’s not what anybody expected after he was a top-10 draft pick in 2022. Injuries limited him to seven games in 2023 and he started last season as a reserve. He only played when Andrew Thomas got hurt and played nine games with seven starts.
Neal struggled on the field so this experiment is a last resort. According to Daboll, so far, Neal is handling it just fine.
“Evan steadily improved playing inside,” Daboll said Tuesday. “Things happen a little quicker in there. He’s a big man so he’s done a nice job on his double-teams and getting movement and it was good to see him out there in one-on-ones at the guard spot.”
Neal noted his size (6-7, 340 pounds) has been an advantage since he’s bigger than most guards.
“I take up a lot of mass,” he said. “I’m athletic.”
Preseason will start to determine how well Neal's adjusted. On Tuesday, he held his own but there was still growing pains. For example, while on the first team, he whiffed on a pass rush by second-year defensive tackle Elijah Chatman.
His teammates have offered encouragement. Jermaine Eluemunor related to how he’s played before guard and tackle in multiple seasons and he texted Neal before camp that nobody wants him to succeed as much as he does.
Eleumunor also joked that Neal’s hands are about “10 times the size of mine,” which thrilled him about his potential.
“Those double-teams are going to be terrible for defensive tackles," Eluemunor said. "I say that because he’s a powerful man so I’m excited. Evan’s really committed to being a great guard and you can see it in his determination and just his work ethic. He’s really bought in.”
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr spoke plainly saying Neal is “moving stuff” and that’s great for seeing running lanes. But time will decide if that translates to more production, something Neal hasn’t shown in his first three seasons.
Time is also running short. This is a one-year plan to save Neal’s career or risk being labeled a disappointment.
Neal wasn't worried but his optimism will be proved right or wrong based on how quickly he can master a new role to salvage a rough Giants tenure.
“So far I’ve just been a player that’s been getting better and better each year,” Neal said. “Injuries played a part, kind of had to battle those. I’ve showed grit and resiliency to be standing here today so I’m just going to focus on continuing to get better in the future.”
Blue notes
Defensive lineman DJ Davidson left practice after grabbing the back of his right leg and limping off the field. Davidson injured his left hamstring Sunday . . . Defensive back Tre Hawkins III did not suit up for practice while Dexter Lawrence and Cam Skattebo were held out of team drills.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
