Giants’ embattled first-round pick gives perfect quote on role after injury | Sporting News

New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal is going to have to earn his way back into the starting lineup.

The former first-round pick has had an embattled start to his career since being the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Between injuries and poor play, the Giants haven’t gotten much of a return on their investment.

As Neal was removed from the PUP list this week, he will begin ramping things up slowly. As for his role when he returns to full practices, what the Giants have planned remains to be seen.

Whatever that role is, Neal gave the perfect answer to reporters Sunday.

“Whatever role that the team has for me, I’m going to embrace it,” Neal said. “So, whether that’s starting or not starting, I’m here to contribute to the team, and I’m going to do everything in my power to do so.”

That’s exactly what the Giants and the fanbase should want to hear from a former first-round pick that has struggled.

Neal’s humility in potentially taking a swing tackle role might do him some good. Coming in with such high expectations and then failing to live up to them can doom players for the rest of their careers.

“I’m not owed anything, and I can’t feel like I deserve anything. All I want is what I work for,” Neal said.

In Neal’s absence, the Giants have employed veteran Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. This is despite the veteran working at left guard in the spring. But it’s probably the right move to have Eluemunor on the edge.

It’s unlikely Neal will make a switch to the interior, but it would be interesting to see him work at guard. 

Either way, Neal will likely have to work his way back into a starting role once he returns. But it’s encouraging to see him take a team-first mindset despite the adversity.

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