Turf Show Times
The early part of May is an important part of the NFL calendar as that is when teams must decide whether or not to pick up the fifth-year options of their first-round picks. Throughout the Sean McVay era, the Los Angeles Rams haven’t had to do this as they haven’t had first-round picks. With that said, it’s still something to pay attention to as a player who hasn’t had their fifth-year option picked up can mean that the team that drafted them is on the edge of moving on and just needs a little push.
This offseason, the deadline to pick up the fifth-year option on the 2022 rookie class was May 1. There are 12 rookies from the 2022 class that didn’t sign a fifth-year option and out of those, eight have not already been traded. The 2023 draft class will also be one to watch as teams will need to make a decision on those players next offseason.
The Rams need tackle depth in addition to a future at the right tackle position post-Rob Havenstein. This isn’t a position that the Rams addressed in the draft. As it stands, Warren McClendon and AJ Arcuri are the top depth options at tackle on the roster.
To say the least, Evan Neal has not been the bookend right tackle that the New York Giants drafted him to be in 2022 as the seventh overall pick. He allowed 39 pressures and seven sacks as a rookie and things did not get much better in year two. Injuries have stunted his development, but a change of scenery and coaching may benefit him at this point in his career. This is still a player with a lot of upside. As Brandon Thorn of Bleacher Report and Trench Warfare wrote about Neal pre-draft,
“Neal’s blend of physical traits, polish despite limited time at one position and youth make him an immediate-impact starter at either left or right tackle with Pro Bowl potential if he can play with better overall posture and hand placement in the run game.”
The Giants are planning on moving Neal to guard which already signals a ‘last ditch effort’ type move to see if he works out. However, he is unofficially listed third on the depth chart at right guard after the team drafted Marcus Mbow out of Purdue.
It’s worth mentioning that Neal was ninth-best run-blocking tackle last season via PFF. Even if he doesn’t become the Rams future right tackle, he at least brings some swing tackle upside. For a late day three pick, this is a player that the Giants may be willing to move on from before the season begins. Immediately, the Rams would get some tackle depth. If they like what they see, they get a player who can compete for the starting role in 2026.
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