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Could Neal really go in the top 4?

NJBlueTuna : 1/13/2022 4:23 pm
I haven’t seen him play too much, but have heard more than a few comments that he is most suited to guard and not tackle. Now people are saying he can go #1.

Just trying to understand fact from fiction.

I do think Thomas is our LT of the next 10 years and has pro bowl potential.
Nio denying the upside  
Sy'56 : 1/13/2022 4:41 pm : link
He has more talent and ability than any OT I have seen

But he is inconsistent

Part of the issue is he played 3 positions in 3 years. That can hut development, but help the versatility grade.
---  
Peppers : 1/13/2022 4:57 pm : link
Yes.
He could  
jeff57 : 1/13/2022 5:05 pm : link
Jaguars, Houston or Jets could take him.
Sy  
Jolly Blue Giant : 1/13/2022 5:06 pm : link
Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?
His pass pro the other night was outstanding  
Lowell : 1/13/2022 5:14 pm : link
against some very good edge rushers. However, he was passive run blocking where he failed to finish a number of blocks and didn't show any nasty.
Neal Seems More Like An NFL  
Trainmaster : 1/13/2022 5:15 pm : link
right tackle. Top 10 would be too high for him IF he's going to be an NFL RT.
RE: Neal Seems More Like An NFL  
jeff57 : 1/13/2022 5:22 pm : link
In comment 15551929 Trainmaster said:
Quote:
right tackle. Top 10 would be too high for him IF he's going to be an NFL RT.


Lane Johnson went 4.
He could go #1 overall  
kdog77 : 1/13/2022 5:33 pm : link
The Jags need to protect Trevor Lawrence and Neal is an absolute mountain of a man.
RE: Neal Seems More Like An NFL  
LakeGeorgeGiant : 1/13/2022 5:38 pm : link
In comment 15551929 Trainmaster said:
Quote:
right tackle. Top 10 would be too high for him IF he's going to be an NFL RT.


I dont think thats the case anymore.

As forbthe Giants, drafting Neal and locking up both tackle spots would be a fantastic move.
I think he can go top 4  
illmatic : 1/13/2022 6:05 pm : link
All of the teams in front of us can use the OL help. I’d be kind of surprised if the Jets don’t take him if he makes it to 4.
RE: Sy  
Sy'56 : 1/13/2022 6:05 pm : link
In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:
Quote:
Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?


There is one in the running right now...
RE: RE: Sy  
j_rud : 1/13/2022 6:14 pm : link
In comment 15551980 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:


Quote:


Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?



There is one in the running right now...


Not that I've watched a ton of "film" (ie-highlights on youtube) or admittedly understand the nuances of the position like a scout. I have watched a lot of football though and I know the basics, and to my untrained eye Charles Cross looks like such a smooth operator. His pass sets just look effortless, he's always in control and doesn't seem to take any false/wasted steps. Same with stunts and twists. Doesn't reach or get over-extended, let's it come to him.
I'm probably wrong though lol.

Ill also say I love Ekwonu's nasty streak, that kid just loves to bury people.
RE: RE: Sy  
Rave7 : 1/13/2022 6:39 pm : link
In comment 15551980 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:


Quote:


Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?



There is one in the running right now...


Sy, can that be Charles Cross?
He looks really smooth but can he play RT for us?
In’t he more of LT? He’s from air raid system so I don’t know what to make of his run blocking. Thanks.
If the took Cross  
jeff57 : 1/13/2022 6:42 pm : link
They’d have to move Thomas to the right side. Can’t see Cross playing there.
I'd say he's a lock to go top 4  
GFAN52 : 1/13/2022 6:53 pm : link
.
RE: RE: RE: Sy  
GiantsFan84 : 1/13/2022 6:54 pm : link
In comment 15552020 Rave7 said:
Quote:
In comment 15551980 Sy'56 said:


Quote:


In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:


Quote:


Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?



There is one in the running right now...



Sy, can that be Charles Cross?
He looks really smooth but can he play RT for us?
In’t he more of LT? He’s from air raid system so I don’t know what to make of his run blocking. Thanks.


it's absolutely cross.
I'm on the Petit-Frere...  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 7:05 pm : link
train. He is just a smooth, technical, athletic big man who looks like a natural for an NFL LT.
Don’t sleep on Darian Kennard and Kenyon Green  
Rick in Dallas : 1/13/2022 8:39 pm : link
I really like both of them. They can play both OT and OG.
I think they both are going to rise up the draft board in the next couple of months.
RE: I'm on the Petit-Frere...  
Giants73 : 1/13/2022 8:42 pm : link
In comment 15552053 bw in dc said:
Quote:
train. He is just a smooth, technical, athletic big man who looks like a natural for an NFL LT.


Re-watch the Michigan game, Hutchinson destroyed him. Neal is the best tackle in this draft.
RE: RE: RE: Sy  
Sy'56 : 1/13/2022 8:50 pm : link
In comment 15551990 j_rud said:
Quote:
In comment 15551980 Sy'56 said:


Quote:


In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:


Quote:


Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?



There is one in the running right now...



Not that I've watched a ton of "film" (ie-highlights on youtube) or admittedly understand the nuances of the position like a scout. I have watched a lot of football though and I know the basics, and to my untrained eye Charles Cross looks like such a smooth operator. His pass sets just look effortless, he's always in control and doesn't seem to take any false/wasted steps. Same with stunts and twists. Doesn't reach or get over-extended, let's it come to him.
I'm probably wrong though lol.

Ill also say I love Ekwonu's nasty streak, that kid just loves to bury people.


Ding Ding Ding
RE: Neal Seems More Like An NFL  
DavidinBMNY : 1/13/2022 9:26 pm : link
In comment 15551929 Trainmaster said:
Quote:
right tackle. Top 10 would be too high for him IF he's going to be an NFL RT.
. I think he’s k for top 10 but I do think true LT candidates will be higher valued.
Very glad ot hear  
giantstock : 1/13/2022 9:41 pm : link
SY liking another.

I do prefer trade downs but realize it is probably not realistic especially how I would like.

I want OL and Edges (then ILB, TE and WR) and I don't want them to wait for the 3rd round for their 1st pick to get an OL player.
RE: RE: RE: RE: Sy  
j_rud : 1/13/2022 9:51 pm : link
In comment 15552189 Sy'56 said:
Quote:
In comment 15551990 j_rud said:


Quote:


In comment 15551980 Sy'56 said:


Quote:


In comment 15551915 Jolly Blue Giant said:


Quote:


Any other tackle worthy of the #5 pick?



There is one in the running right now...



Not that I've watched a ton of "film" (ie-highlights on youtube) or admittedly understand the nuances of the position like a scout. I have watched a lot of football though and I know the basics, and to my untrained eye Charles Cross looks like such a smooth operator. His pass sets just look effortless, he's always in control and doesn't seem to take any false/wasted steps. Same with stunts and twists. Doesn't reach or get over-extended, let's it come to him.
I'm probably wrong though lol.

Ill also say I love Ekwonu's nasty streak, that kid just loves to bury people.



Ding Ding Ding



There are no edges worth taking at the top of this draft  
Snablats : 1/13/2022 9:54 pm : link
Unless you think Thibs is the goods. The rest are overrated (Hutch and Karlaftis) or are total projection based on athletic ability (Ojabo)

And we dont know if it will stay a 3-4 or move to a 4-3. Dean, however, can fit both schemes

Seems there are quite a few OL in first round so it would be tempting to trade down a bit if you can snag a 2023 1st rounder as ammo for Young/Stroud if Jones fails/cant play anymore
RE: RE: I'm on the Petit-Frere...  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 10:26 pm : link
In comment 15552177 Giants73 said:
Quote:
In comment 15552053 bw in dc said:


Quote:


train. He is just a smooth, technical, athletic big man who looks like a natural for an NFL LT.



Re-watch the Michigan game, Hutchinson destroyed him. Neal is the best tackle in this draft.


Here is the video of every OSU offensive snap in that game. Hutch had three sacks total.

Petit Frere is #78 at LT. Well over 60% of the snaps Hutchinson is lined up over the RT. He moved over Petit Frere in the third quarter and did get a sack. Otherwise, Petit Frere gave up nothing to Hutch.

In the 4th quarter, OSU moved Petit Frere to RT and had more 1x1 match-ups with Hutch and gave up nothing.

So, your description of what happened in the game is simply false.
Petit Frere v Hutch - ( New Window )
It's easy.  
BigBlueBuff : 1/14/2022 1:35 am : link
Draft Neal/Cross & Linderbaum & go get Jermaine Johnson if you can.
RE: It's easy.  
jeff57 : 1/14/2022 5:24 am : link
In comment 15552376 BigBlueBuff said:
Quote:
Draft Neal/Cross & Linderbaum & go get Jermaine Johnson if you can.


Okwonu instead of Cross and I agree with you.
RE: There are no edges worth taking at the top of this draft  
jeff57 : 1/14/2022 5:27 am : link
In comment 15552252 Snablats said:
Quote:
Unless you think Thibs is the goods. The rest are overrated (Hutch and Karlaftis) or are total projection based on athletic ability (Ojabo)

And we dont know if it will stay a 3-4 or move to a 4-3. Dean, however, can fit both schemes

Seems there are quite a few OL in first round so it would be tempting to trade down a bit if you can snag a 2023 1st rounder as ammo for Young/Stroud if Jones fails/cant play anymore


I don’t think Hutchinson is overrated.. Agree with you on Karlaftis and Ojabo.
Cross  
UGADawgs7 : 1/14/2022 6:47 am : link
At 5 please.
Neal is very good but I don't see him standing out much  
chick310 : 1/14/2022 8:08 am : link
differently than the top 2-3 Offensive Tackles that go relatively high in the Draft each year.

He is massive and the definition of road-grader but he has tendency to lunge with the worst of them in pass protection too. If he doesn't clean that up and become more consistent than he very well may be a better Guard in the NFL.

He would be a nice candidate to solve for the perennial Right Tackle openings the NY Giants seem to have.

Recall last year people saying this was going to be  
chick310 : 1/14/2022 8:15 am : link
a much deeper draft than usual. And I think it is although I don't see more than just a couple of guys that may deserve to be in that Top Tier.

Second and Third level tier types though looks to be a very long list. This was result in a lot of players taken in the 2nd Round to be marginally the same talent as many in Rd 1.

With that said, the Giants should really be considering marketing one of those top two picks if they aren't going QB, and try to soak up as much as that 2nd/3rd Tier value with extra picks. I know that is a common theme heard each year from fans but this year the setting feels to match that thinking.
I'm no talent evaluator  
arniefez : 1/14/2022 8:22 am : link
But if Neal is the at #5 and the Giants take him I'd be thrilled. If Ekwonu is comparable to Neal and the Giants pick him at #5 I'd be thrilled with that too.

I'm hoping someone wants to trade up for #7 that offers a swap in round 1 and a day 2 pick this year and their #1 next year. Unless it's in the 20's than I'd ask for another day 2 pick in addition next year.
RE: RE: RE: I'm on the Petit-Frere...  
JB_in_DC : 1/14/2022 8:23 am : link
In comment 15552281 bw in dc said:
Quote:
In comment 15552177 Giants73 said:


Quote:


In comment 15552053 bw in dc said:


Quote:


train. He is just a smooth, technical, athletic big man who looks like a natural for an NFL LT.



Re-watch the Michigan game, Hutchinson destroyed him. Neal is the best tackle in this draft.



Here is the video of every OSU offensive snap in that game. Hutch had three sacks total.

Petit Frere is #78 at LT. Well over 60% of the snaps Hutchinson is lined up over the RT. He moved over Petit Frere in the third quarter and did get a sack. Otherwise, Petit Frere gave up nothing to Hutch.

In the 4th quarter, OSU moved Petit Frere to RT and had more 1x1 match-ups with Hutch and gave up nothing.

So, your description of what happened in the game is simply false. Petit Frere v Hutch - ( New Window )


How did Petit Frere frere against Ojabo in that one? Unfortunately I was on a flight for most of and only caught parts of the second quarter in the airport...
RE: I'm no talent evaluator  
chick310 : 1/14/2022 8:35 am : link
In comment 15552477 arniefez said:
Quote:
But if Neal is the at #5 and the Giants take him I'd be thrilled. If Ekwonu is comparable to Neal and the Giants pick him at #5 I'd be thrilled with that too.

I'm hoping someone wants to trade up for #7 that offers a swap in round 1 and a day 2 pick this year and their #1 next year. Unless it's in the 20's than I'd ask for another day 2 pick in addition next year.


arniefez - mentioned trading down as well with one of those picks, but the haul you are suggesting sound pretty rich. Does that line up reasonably well with prior deals made as comps?
I don’t understand why LTs and RTs need to have different  
cosmicj : 1/14/2022 8:49 am : link
Size profiles. Obviously, the best pass blocker needs to be at LT for right handed QBs. But that doesn’t imply that the RTs need to be bigger, given the flexible alignments NFL defenses use.

If Cross can play RT, put him there.

I think this view reflects outdated thinking that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
Still too early, but Jags could certainly consider Neal at #1  
Matt G : 1/14/2022 8:55 am : link
Ikem Ekwonu could be in the Top 5 as well
….  
ryanmkeane : 1/14/2022 9:01 am : link
To my untrained eye, Ekwonu feels a little sloppy but he’s an absolute mauler - likely a guard but elite upside there. Imagine him and Thomas on the left side?

Neal seems like he can be a dominant RT. If I’m taking one or the other, I’m going Neal.
Ekwonu  
Sammo85 : 1/14/2022 9:38 am : link
is a G, possibly a pretty good one. I don't see an NFL T there (not saying he couldn't handle spot duty, but i don't see high level/consistent play at T with him in NFL).
RE: I don’t understand why LTs and RTs need to have different  
jeff57 : 1/14/2022 9:45 am : link
In comment 15552509 cosmicj said:
Quote:
Size profiles. Obviously, the best pass blocker needs to be at LT for right handed QBs. But that doesn’t imply that the RTs need to be bigger, given the flexible alignments NFL defenses use.

If Cross can play RT, put him there.

I think this view reflects outdated thinking that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.


If he doesn't have the build or run blocking is not his forte, you'd be weakening yourself at 2 positions by playing him there.
RE: Ekwonu  
jeff57 : 1/14/2022 9:47 am : link
In comment 15552584 Sammo85 said:
Quote:
is a G, possibly a pretty good one. I don't see an NFL T there (not saying he couldn't handle spot duty, but i don't see high level/consistent play at T with him in NFL).


I think he could play RT. He's played every OL position except C. But if they took Neal at 5, he would certainly fit in at LG at 7.
RE: RE: RE: RE: I'm on the Petit-Frere...  
bw in dc : 1/14/2022 10:38 am : link
In comment 15552478 JB_in_DC said:
Quote:


Here is the video of every OSU offensive snap in that game. Hutch had three sacks total.

Petit Frere is #78 at LT. Well over 60% of the snaps Hutchinson is lined up over the RT. He moved over Petit Frere in the third quarter and did get a sack. Otherwise, Petit Frere gave up nothing to Hutch.

In the 4th quarter, OSU moved Petit Frere to RT and had more 1x1 match-ups with Hutch and gave up nothing.

So, your description of what happened in the game is simply false. Petit Frere v Hutch - ( New Window )



How did Petit Frere frere against Ojabo in that one? Unfortunately I was on a flight for most of and only caught parts of the second quarter in the airport...


PF gave up nothing to Ojabo. Most of the damage that day was done to the right side of the OSU OL.

Yes, I think Neal goes top 4  
JonC : 1/14/2022 12:23 pm : link
and I'm not sold on an OL at #5 or #7, so far.
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