Giants tackle Evan Neal struggled last season.
Tasked with protecting Daniel Jones in his rookie season, the 6-foot-7, 350-pound lineman allowed defenses to rush the quarterback. Last season, he allowed 37 pressures and 10 quarterback hits. Fortunately, the Giants weren’t focusing their attention on the long game, otherwise, the season wouldn’t have been such a success.
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This level of performance is to be expected from a rookie, just not one selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Fortunately, analysts expect Neal to make a significant leap this season. CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr believes that having a year under his belt, the right tackle is ready to take the next step.
“A good sophomore season could get the Giants back to the divisional round of the playoffs, providing excellent expectations for the offensive line going forward,” Kerr wrote.
Some point to left tackle Andrew Thomas, who was drafted No. 4 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. Thomas also struggled his rookie season, only to become a formidable asset on the left side of the offensive line.
According to Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA TODAY:
“With the proper adjustments, Neal could enjoy a trajectory similar to that of Andrew Thomas, the Giants’ standout left tackle and former top-five pick who shook off some early missteps. But in a division replete with formidable pass rushers, Neal will be put to the test if he doesn’t develop in a hurry.”
With contract negotiations with Saquon Barkley, who hasn’t ruled out sitting out the season, nonexistent, the Giants may not have a short passing game to turn to. This means Neal doesn’t have a choice but to take the next step this year.
The Giants’ season depends on it.
Neal started 13 games at right tackle last season. He suffered a knee injury suffered in the team’s Week 8 win over the Jaguars, causing him to miss four games.
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