Former top 10 pick still believes in his ability
Evan Neal has not played a snap for the New York Giants this season. Yet, the 2022 No. 7 overall pick is a constant source of discussion. I caught up with the third-year right tackle in the locker room on Friday. Neal said he is healthy, and expressed confidence in his ability.
Below, the results of our Q&A:
Ed: How have the last few weeks been going for you, working your way back, working on your game?
EN: It’s been good. I’ve just been showing up to work every day with a positive attitude. And just working hard. Just trying to get better every day. Learning from the guys I’m out there watching. Going up against the first team defense. Doing everything that I can just to get better. That’s it.
Ed: This (not starting) is an experience you have never had before. You have always been ‘the guy’. All the way back to high school.
EN: Yeah. And I believe I still am.
Ed: How different is it for you, though, this way?
EN: I mean, obviously it’s an adjustment. I’m used to being a starter. Going out there, taking all the meaningful reps. So it’s definitely new. But I feel like I’m taking it in stride. Every opportunity that I’m given, I’m going to make the most of it. And just do everything that I can to work as hard as I can. Be a good guy in the locker room. And continue to do what I do.
Ed: You have had so many interruptions the last two years. Is it good for you to just practice every day?
EN: Yeah. Just feels good to go out there and just play ball again. And enjoy doing it. So just having to, being able to stack days, that’s been huge. And I’m definitely grateful for that.
Ed: You feel like you’re in a better place? You feel like it’s making you a better player?
EN: Yeah, I mean, I think so. It’s definitely taught me a lot. It’s hard not to learn when all you can do is kind of watch right now. But every opportunity I’m given I’m playing, flying around the ball 100 miles an hour. Just trying to do everything that I can. If it’s an opportunity where my number does get called, I’ll be ready.
Ed: You feel good physically at this point?
EN: Yeah, I feel good. I mean, I still have to maintain and do everything that I can to continue to stay good. I’m moving around well. That’s the biggest part. And I feel good when I’m moving. So it’s a good sign.
Ed: You said you still feel like you’re the guy. You feel like maybe now, whenever your chance comes, you feel like you’re finally in a place where you can actually show that?
EN: I feel like I’ve shown that since I stepped foot in this league. In different spurts, different moments. And I really feel like that’s not something I have to show anybody. That’s just how I feel within myself. How I carry myself, my energy, my essence. It’s who I am.
Ed: Just a matter of doing it on a consistent basis?
EN: The football field is going to take care of itself. That’s what it’s going to do. I’m going to continue to approach every day with a positive mindset, work my ass off. Nothing substitutes hard work. That’s how I was raised. And I believe the football field is going to take care of itself.
