Big Blue View
Chopping wood and getting better every day
One of the major storylines for the New York Giants is the transition of Evan Neal from offensive tackle to guard.
As fans well know, the Giants initially drafted Neal out of Alabama with the seventh pick of the 2022 NFL Draft in the hopes that he would be a long-time bookend for Andrew Thomas. Unfortunately, that plan hasn’t worked out. Now, entering his fourth season, Neal is transitioning inside to guard and trying to take a starting job from veteran Greg Van Roten.
“I’m just focused on playing football,” Neal said of his move inside. “I still have an opportunity in this league and I’m grateful for that.”
There has been some speculation that Neal resisted a move inside to a less glamorous guard position, but he insists that was never a consideration.
“The acceptance part of it, that really was never in my head because at the end of the day I’m just grateful to still be able to play the game that I love,” Neal said.
He’s confident, not only in himself, but in his linemates. “My confidence is great,” Neal said. “I’m just out there playing football. As hot as it is out here in camp, we’re grinding, getting after it, trying to get better every day.”
‘Getting better’ was a major theme of Neal’s remarks. Not only did he mention that the offensive line is focused on getting better, but also that steady improvement is a major focus for him. That, obviously, makes sense. After all, Neal’s development thus far has been consistently interrupted by injuries.
"So far, I’ve just been a player that’s been getting better and better each year,” Neal said. “Injuries have played a part. I’ve had to battle through those. I feel like I’ve shown grit and resiliency to still be standing here today. I’m just going to focus on continuing to get better in the future.”
Head coach Brian Daboll agreed, saying,
"I think Evan steadily improved playing inside. 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. (We) look for him to continue to improve."
Daboll also praised Neal's team first attitude in his transition from tackle to guard.
He said, "He was all for the team. Evan’s done a nice job this spring and he’s making daily improvements."
"Yeah, I each guy is their own individual case," he added, referencing Ereck Flowers and Mekhi Becton.
"They do what’s best for the team and like I said, Evan’s embraced it. He’s been a true pro about it, spends extra time with the line coaches, does extra work, so he’s really put a lot of time and effort and energy into it and it’ll be good to see how it looks in the preseason when we can finish blocks and do those types...
