The New York Giants believe a move inside for Evan Neal can save his career.
Evan Neal wasn't drafted with the seventh overall pick to play guard for the New York Giants. The organization hoped he could succeed as a starting right tackle for the next decade.
Things have changed. Now, if Neal wants to stay in the NFL, he'll need to get acclimated to playing guard this season - and perform at a high level while he’s at it.
Who is to blame? Thats now a moot point. He has struggled mightily to stay healthy. When he's on the field, he's been beaten repeatedly by edge rushers across the board.
So … next chapter.
His 6'7", 340-pound size makes him one of the bigger guards in the game, but some believe his play style will better suit his current career assignment.
To his credit, Neal has taken the position change in stride. Starting tackle Jermaine Eluemunor has even credited Neal for his professionalism.
"I think that he's truly bought into it, and it's been cool for me to just watch the tape and see him going out there and being able to not change anything from indy (individual) to the team and him going from tackle to guard is a big transition," Eluemunor said during minicamp this week.
There have been right tackles who moved to guard and found success. Most recently, former first-round tackle Mekhi Becton excelled at guard for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Because of that, he received a nice contract boost with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Could something similar happen to Neal?
If he wants to keep playing in the NFL, it better be.
