New York Giants RT Evan Neal is primed to take a big step forward in the upcoming second season of his career. After a disappointing rookie campaign in 2022, Neal worked hard this off-season, focusing on his diet and keeping lean to prepare for the upcoming 2023 season.
Giants RT Evan Neal focusing on his diet in 2023
Neal entered the NFL weighing in at a massive 360-pounds as a rookie. The extra weight seemed to hold Neal back last season as he struggled to seal the edge and defend against speedy pass rushers. Neal worked hard to fix that problem this offseason, losing 15 pounds this offseason and adding a new layer of muscle to his frame.
In a recent interview with Matt Lombardo of FanBuzz, Neal gave insight into his offseason training, explaining the steps he took to lose weight, focus on his diet, and keep lean this summer.
“I’ve just been working out and grinding,” Neal said to Lombardo. “I’ve been focusing on my diet a bit more, it’s just a testament to the hard work that I’ve been putting in.
“I think the main thing is that when I was in Dallas training, I hired a chef. He’s been doing a great job of making sure that I’ve been eating the right things. So, just eating right, in addition to me putting the work in, that’s the result I got.”
Weighing in at 345 this summer, Neal is noticeably leaner. The added muscle to his frame and dropped weight should allow the 6-foot-7 mauler to play faster and stronger in 2023.
Neal credits his chef’s selection of oatmeal and fruit after his first workout, ‘extra large’ wings and a chop salad at lunch, and some combination of lamb, rotisserie chicken, asparagus, carrots, and broccoli for ‘keeping lean.’
Matt Lombardo on Evan Neal’s diet plan
Evan Neal is ready to perform at a higher level in his second season
Neal surrendered 39 pressures and seven sacks and was statistically ranked as one of the worst offensive tackles in the league as a rookie. But the 2022 seventh-overall draft pick put in some extra work this offseason, changing his stance while training with former All-Pro OL Willie Anderson.
“I first saw his stance and I said, ‘That stance can’t be comfortable going against certain kinds of rushers,’” Anderson told ESPN. “I asked him if he had a problem with these kinds of rushers, and he said, ‘Yes!’”
This offseason, Neal focused on getting rid of “wasted motion” in pass protection, ensuring he is less “bunched up” in his stance and ready to handle any style of pass rush he might face.
“It’s all about going out to perform well. And helping the team. I’ve been a competitor for a long time. I feel like that’s all been a part of my process.”
Evan Neal via FanBuzz