INDIANAPOLIS – If Evan Neal moves inside to get a shot by playing guard after failing with an offensive tackle, that position change is not yet under work.
The Giants before deciding whether Neil can throw a life press bar to help Neil, the seventh pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, avoid sinking away from the field or off the roster. I'm waiting to see what unfolds in free agency.
Former Jets' first round pick Mekhi Becton was a washout with tackle before reviving his career with a move to guard.
Becton will be competing with the Eagles in 2024, winning the Super Bowl and potentially cashing out as a free agent.
Can Neil follow that path?
“We'll get through free agency and see where we are and what we have and what we have, and we'll talk about it,” general manager Joe Shane told the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday. “I'll talk about how to get the best five on the field.”
There are very few of the best ones that include Neal.
Shane said he expects four starters to be on the offensive line. Left tackle Andrew Tomouth, left guard John Ragnyan Jr., center John Michael Schmitz, and right tackle Jermain L Mnor. Right guard, veteran Greg Van Roten, is a free agent.
It sounds like the Giants are trying to sign security guards in free agency.
Until then, Neal has been tackling this offseason.
“Players won't report until April 21st, so the roster will look different,” Shane said. “I have cap space and I have money, so depending on what I do on the offensive line, I'll make those decisions before I get back to April.”
Neil, 24, started 13 games as a rookie with a right tackle, and his workload and effectiveness have since declined.
Ankle injuries limited him to only seven games in 2023, so last season he was forced to be on the bench and started seven games due to injuries along the line.
Shane was asked if he regrets allowing Saquon Berklee's vacation in free agency for the first time since the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
“I'm happy with Saquon,” Shane said. “Obviously he's been winning the Super Bowl. We wish him the best. You're always trying to assess every decision you make, and we're going to do our best. I was somewhere else in the build. Again, I love Saquon and I wish him the best.”
DT Dexter Lawrence He started his first 12 games and then dislocated his left elbow and went down for the rest of the season.
He was able to participate in the Pro Bowl game in Orlando and participate in the tug-of-war event.
“That's why I think he's good,” Shane said.
Lt. Col. Andrew Thomas suffered only six games of injury to his right foot, so subsequent surgery cost him the rest of the season.
“Andrew Thomas was in the weight room. He looks amazing, he has no legs or anything boots. He's working well,” Shane said. “He looks popular right now.”
