When it comes to New York Giants former 7th overall pick Evan Neal, there may not be a future for him at right tackle. Neal underwent surgery at the end of the 2023 season, but despite months of rehabilitation, the Giants placed him on the physically unable-to-perform list ahead of training camp on Tuesday.
Giants’ Tackle Dilemma: Evaluating Evan Neal’s Future
Neal, a former standout at Alabama, has been a significant liability in the trenches for the Giants. During his rookie season, he played 862 snaps, surrendering 52 pressures, which included eight sacks and seven penalties. He was a massive liability, prompting Big Blue to address the position.
Last year, he played just 460 snaps, giving up 29 pressures and five penalties. All of his reps have been at right tackle, a position where he has clearly struggled.
Potential Position Switch for Neal
At this point, it may be time to consider training him as an offensive guard in hopes of pushing him inside. Given his frame at 6’7″ and 350 pounds, he may be better suited to anchor down the interior than to contend with speed rushers who exploit his weaknesses on the edge.
Transitioning to Jermaine Eluemunor
The Giants need to consider transitioning to Jermaine Eluemunor full-time at right tackle. They signed Eluemunor to a two-year, $14 million deal this off-season. He’s coming from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was coached by current Giants offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo in 2023.
Last season, Eluemunor allowed 28 pressures and nine sacks across 905 snaps, showing flashes of excellence. However, he had notable struggles in games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers, where he gave up a significant portion of his total pressures and sacks.
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Despite these setbacks, in the final 13 games of the season, Eluemunor allowed only one sack, suggesting he is by far the best option for the Giants at right tackle. With Neal sidelined and unable to practice, it’s only a matter of time before Eluemunor begins to take every rep at the position.