New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen made a telling comment during the NFL owners’ meetings on Monday. Evan Neal is now open to the idea of playing guard. That’s a big change from where Neal stood just a few years ago—he was adamant he was an offensive tackle. That was the position he was drafted to play in 2022, where he’s struggled to find his footing over three seasons.
Jermaine Eluemunor’s success at right tackle last season and the addition of James Hudson III as depth make a move to guard look more and more like a good fit for Neal—and the Giants. What does this change mean for both Neal and the Giants?
Why the Idea of Guard Makes Sense for Neal?
Neal’s transition to guard is about unlocking the potential that’s been there all along—and doing that benefits everyone. Drafted as a tackle, Neal still hasn’t consistently delivered in that role. Last season, after coming back from ankle surgery, he stayed put at right tackle. Eluemunor slid over to left tackle because of injuries.
That didn’t quite work out. Andrew Thomas’s injury and Josh Ezeudu and Chris Hubbard’s struggles on the left side forced the Giants to make some lineup changes. Neal started the final seven games of the season. That wasn’t enough to convince some people that tackle is where he belongs long-term.
A Change in Attitude: From Resistance to Willingness
Neal’s willingness to play guard shows just how far he’s come. That mindset shift became clear near the end of last season. Back then, Neal was adamant he wanted to prove himself at tackle. “As soon as I stepped out of the womb, I stepped out an offensive tackle. And that’s how I feel,” he said at the time.
But as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, reality might have sunk in. Neal appears to be embracing that new role—and the adaptability that comes with it—because he knows his future with the Giants—and maybe the NFL—depends on it.
“I’m open to doing whatever I can to help the team,” Neal said—that’s a far cry from the “I only want to play tackle” attitude he had just a few months prior. His tone has softened, and his priorities have shifted. He’s putting the team’s success first now.
What This Means for the Giants’ Offensive Line?
If Neal goes to guard, it would bring stability to a unit that needs it. The Giants have struggled to find consistency on the interior of the line, and Neal’s size, strength, and athleticism would be a good fit for the position.
Plus, moving Neal to guard allows the Giants to keep their best players on the field without forcing square pegs into round holes. Eluemunor was good at right tackle last year, and with him and Neal inside it would be a better line overall. Neal inside would be a better line overall