New York Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal is getting one final shot to prove his worth to the team that drafted him.
The No. 7 overall pick from the 2022 NFL draft has had a tumultuous start to his career, battling injuries and poor play while trying to establish himself as the starting right tackle. After the Giants declined the fifth-year option in his rookie contract this offseason, Neal is running out of chances to secure a long-term roster spot.
After spending the first three years of his career working at the right tackle position, the Giants are giving the Alabama product a shot at competing for one of the guard spots, which is currently up for grabs alongside a pair of veterans.
During Thursday’s practice at organized team activities (OTAs), Neal was seen taking the majority of first-team reps at left guard with Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr. sidelined during team drills.
Notables from Giants OTAs:
— Evan Neal received most first-team reps at left guard with Jon Runyan Jr. + Greg Van Roten out of team drills
— WR Jalin Hyatt looks like a different player
— Jaxson Dart had a rough afternoon. Threw a couple INTs, had a couple passes batted down— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) June 5, 2025
Neal was part of the first draft class that Schoen had as general manager of the Giants in 2022 alongside Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was the No. 5 overall pick in that draft. The former hasn’t had much success at the NFL level since arriving so it’s fair to say this is a make-or-break season for the 24-year-old.
With Jermaine Eluemunor coming over last offseason in free agency, Neal wound up playing the fewest snaps of his career at right tackle (456). Though he excelled as a run blocker, he allowed 17 total pressures, including two sacks and five QB hits on 314 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Neal is set to be a free agent following the 2025 season so if there’s a chance he can carve out a role as an interior offensive lineman, it may just be what saves his career.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Evan Neal earns first-team reps at guard during OTAs