Evan Neal First Alabama Player Selected at 2022 NFL Draft

Alabama offensive deal with Evan Neal was the primary Crimson Tide athlete off the board at Thursday evening’s first spherical of the NFL Draft. Neal was chosen because the No. 7 general choose by the New York Giants.

Neal’s choice marks the 14th straight yr Alabama has produced a first-round choose, tying Miami’s file set from 1995 via 2008.

All through his three years at Alabama, Neal rapidly turned not solely probably the most reliable offensive linemen in latest reminiscence but additionally one among its most versatile. Neal performed left guard throughout his freshman season in 2019, however was then converted to proper deal with for his sophomore season. In his third and ultimate season, the 6-foot-7, 337-pound lineman was the Crimson Tide’s starter at left deal with.

Neal began 40 video games over his three years at Alabama and was chosen as one of many group’s everlasting captains for his 2021 marketing campaign. He was honored as a consensus All-American by the AFCA, FWAA, The Sporting Information and Walter Camp and likewise picked up first-team honors from CBS Sports activities, ESPN and USA Right now.

Neal was additionally chosen as a second-team All-American by the Related Press.

BamaCentral Evaluation:

Neal wasn’t the primary choose of the draft and even the primary deal with off the board. Nonetheless, the Alabama deal with ought to slot in properly in his new dwelling. The New York Giants have already got a left deal with in Andrew Thomas, which means Neal will most likely begin his profession on the other aspect of the road. That shouldn’t be an issue as he served as Alabama’s beginning proper deal with throughout its title-winning season in 2020.

Hours earlier than the draft, the Giants introduced that they won’t be exercising the fifth-year choice in Daniel Jones’ contract. The quarterback ought to have the chance to show himself this season with Neal offering some further safety. 

This is a full analysis of Neal, courtesy of NFL Draft Bible:

Evan Neal – Alabama Crimson Tide

One-Liners:

Big deal with with particular athleticism for his measurement. Has to enhance his method and might be among the finest within the league at his place.

Professionals:

An enormous two-year starter at left guard and proper deal with. Neal has uncommon athleticism for his measurement, possessing fast ft and decrease physique flexibility to get out of his stance and work to the second degree. His size is nice and as soon as he lands his palms, he is ready to latch on, transfer his ft and management opponents. He’s nice when soar setting, as he will get to be extra aggressive and shoot his palms instantly. Neal creates motion within the run recreation, displaying pop in his palms and powerful leg drive to open up holes. He has the ft and energy to down block in addition to the athleticism to drag. On the second degree, he finishes blocks, placing linebackers on the bottom. Aggressive participant who runs downfield and needs to dominate each opponent.

Cons:

Nonetheless uncooked along with his method. Waist bends and performs too far over his toes making him inclined to getting pulled. His aggressiveness causes him to finish up on the bottom often. Neal must be extra affected person in go safety when setting vertically. Shoots his palms manner too rapidly when rushers should not in vary but. He’s not fast sufficient along with his energy step to close down counters reliably. Can battle along with his eyes and timing when climbing to the second degree. Neal isn’t at all times in a position to make use of his purposeful power as he doesn’t play with constant leverage resulting from him leaning.

Abstract:

Big deal with with particular athleticism for his measurement who has began since his true freshman season. Neal has large potential because of his foot velocity, size and measurement. He has to refine his method and play extra patiently in go safety. Overaggressiveness and waist bending causes him to finish up on the bottom too usually. Neal initiatives as a beginning deal with who might turn into among the finest within the league at his place. Early on, he might play inside or be a backup whereas he works on his method.

Gallery: Alabama OT Evan Neal