Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo says Neal has continued to practice exclusively at right tackle
If you are waiting/hoping/pushing for the New York Giants to use Evan Neal at guard, it appears you are going to have to continue to do those things. Because the Giants appear to have no plans to use the 2022 No. 7 overall pick at that position.
Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said on Friday that Neal has continued to practice exclusively at right tackle.
“I think Evan’s doing a great job of just working at the right tackle position and getting himself in the position to help the team,” Bricillo said. “He does everything we ask. He’s been doing extra, which we really enjoy. He seems to be in a good spot. I’m really pleased with where he’s at.”
Why won’t Neal be tried at guard after struggling at right tackle for two seasons and now being dropped from the starting lineup?
“I think his natural position is tackle and I think that’s what we’re emphasizing,” Bricillo said. “You want to see him, what he can do and what he can be. He’s been the guy that was injured in the spring, came into training camp (on) PUP. It’s been two weeks. Why not just see what he can be at right tackle? Which I think he feels comfortable at as well. As do I.”
Neal has had two injury-shortened seasons. He played 13 games in 2022, and just seven last season when an ankle injury ended his season. He had offseason ankle surgery, missed most of spring practices, and began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
With Jermaine Eluemunor entrenched at right tackle, and the Giants leaning into using Chris Manhertz as a blocking tight end, Neal has not played a snap this season.
“I think for any player that has been injured early in his career (it’s good) to have some time to be able to just get himself healthy and then just work himself back into the mix,” Bricillo said “I think that’s exactly what he’s done.”
Neal just isn’t in the mix at guard.
