2022 First Round Draft Pick Offensive Tackle Evan Neal
April 28, 2022
Q. Did you talk to the Giants a lot through this process and did you have a feeling they were going to be a team that might take you tonight?
EVAN NEAL: Yeah, they had the fifth and the seventh pick and so I knew there was a possibility I could end up at the Giants for sure, but I'm just thankful they gave me an opportunity and I'm going to make the most of it.
Q. What was your reaction when they were on clock at five and didn't take you?
EVAN NEAL: Hey, man, I was happy for Kayvon (Thibodeaux). I clapped for him. It's a lot of uncertainty but I just controlling the things that I can control.
Q. What do you think of, you played right tackle obviously before you played left tackle. They are going to start you out at right tackle. What do you think of that? Is that a good spot for you?
EVAN NEAL: Yeah, I'm comfortable at all the tackle spots for sure.
Q. Do you know Andrew Thomas?
EVAN NEAL: I don't think I've ever met him.
Q. What would you say to Giants fans that you're bringing to the table as an offensive lineman if you're describing yourself?
EVAN NEAL: The Giants are going to get a guy that is going to come in every day and work his hardest to be the best that he can be and just ultimately help the organization win.
Q. What were your reactions when the health rumors were coming out the last couple days about you?
EVAN NEAL: I was kind of shocked a little bit but at the end of the day I just control my controllables. I can't control about the information that leaks out, but I played 41 games at Alabama, I didn't miss a game, I didn't miss a snap, I only missed one game due to COVID, so that's your answer there.
Q. When you were sitting there just now when Kayvon was on with us and you see his personality busting out all over the place, what's your reaction?
EVAN NEAL: He's a funny guy, man. I'm just excited to continue to get to know him and spend time with him and compete against him.
Q. Do you get a sense that he's the kind of guy that's going to be talking to you in practice snap to snap?
EVAN NEAL: I really don't care whether he does. I'm going to talk with my shoulder pads (Laughter).
Q. How would you describe your personality?
EVAN NEAL: Pretty much a laid-back guy. I'm kind of more of an introverted extrovert by nature, more reserved, quiet, but just talk to me. I'm a people person. I'm definitely a cool guy.
Q. Are you a better pass blocker or run blocker?
EVAN NEAL: Man, I feel like I'm good at both, honestly. I played well and I played at a high level at both, just turn on the film. That should give you your answer.
Q. You're a real country boy. How does it feel playing in New York?
EVAN NEAL: A little bit of a culture shock, man, but I'm excited. I'm a country boy, but at the end of the day, I know how to fit in well with the city, so I'm just excited.
Q. Got some Alabama guys up here. Have you heard from them yet?
EVAN NEAL: Yeah, Xavier McKinney, when I was on my Top-30 visit, I got a chance to chop it up with him for a little bit. It's going to be pretty cool being able to play with him.
EVAN NEAL: I really don't care whether he does. I'm going to talk with my shoulder pads (Laughter).