I'm not overly optimistic about Neal at this point, but no way am I cutting him before he starts his third offseason, especially since the team just hired a new offensive line coach because NONE of the players the team has drafted have developed. This x10 because you're talking about the 7th player taken in the draft.
What's the upside to cutting him now?
Nobody is pulling for Neal more than me but he has been really bad.
Bottom line is the competition in the NFL is light years better than college and Neal looks overwhelmed, he's too slow and clumsy to play RT in the NFL IMO. I do think he could become a adequate back up so he does have some value in the NFL and not complete trash. Let's hope he makes a big leap this season,maybe the coaching change will work out well for him. Ultimately I do believe that Evan can be a good guard, he is a very strong guy and does have all the skills to play guard so I hope they consider the move if he gets off to a slow start this season.
who played on a broken ankle without complaining or making excuses. He can either stay healthy or not. If he does, he will likely develop into a quality RT. If not, our GM has given us options.
who played on a broken ankle without complaining or making excuses. He can either stay healthy or not. If he does, he will likely develop into a quality RT. If not, our GM has given us options.
This is the actual situation. Neal started first six games and played poorly even though he was healthy, then he sprained his right ankle in Buffalo and missed two games came back against Las Vegas and sprained his left ankle and out for the season. When healthy he played poorly, he did not play injured as the warrior you claimed did not play hurt or on a broken ankle. Don't gaslight yourself.
Actually nvm it was Seahawks and bills where he looked ok.
Evan Neal vs Seattle - ( New Window )
That wasn’t bad tape in the Seattle game. A few lapses on stunts. One play he got beat around the edge pretty badly. No physical limitations standing out. All mental mistakes or breakdowns in technique. Jones also ran into a few sacks when there was pressure on the interior
Actually nvm it was Seahawks and bills where he looked ok.
Evan Neal vs Seattle - ( New Window )
That wasn’t bad tape in the Seattle game. A few lapses on stunts. One play he got beat around the edge pretty badly. No physical limitations standing out. All mental mistakes or breakdowns in technique. Jones also ran into a few sacks when there was pressure on the interior
Hopefully he can conquer those lapses because a mistake is a mistake eventually we need to stop making them, mental or physical it still not tolerable.
has looked very bad at times, but he was playing with injuries, including a broken ankle, and we have a new OL coach. Let's see how being healthy and getting new instruction helps him, as well as Ezeudu and McKethan. But I agree that this is his last chance to see if he can be at least a competent RT.
I'm not overly optimistic about Neal at this point, but no way am I cutting him before he starts his third offseason, especially since the team just hired a new offensive line coach because NONE of the players the team has drafted have developed. This x10 because you're talking about the 7th player taken in the draft.
What's the upside to cutting him now?
Let me be clearer. We should try to trade him. Maybe a team will feel like a clean slate might be what he needs. With such a dearth of OLs in the NFL, we might get something decent in return.
but what has happened because of Neal, especially Jones, they had to alter their offense, moving the pocket, 3 step drops, which amounted to Jones having to get rid of the ball quicker than he should have, which ends up making Jones look a lot worse.
... Alabama's Evan Neal is Simms' top OL in the 2022 NFL Draft | Chris Simms Unbuttoned | NBC Sports - ( New Window )
"This is the best pass protecting left tackle I've ever seen."
I’m sticking with my story that some people can’t translate the reversal of movement with the same ability. See a right handed person trying to work left handed.
Also the quote: best left tackle.
There Is Some Hope Most Of Neal's Struggles Were A Combination Of
The BBI game reviews vs. Buffalo and Seattle both crush Neal. I don't think those are highlight games for him.
I linked the Seattle game video above. There are a couple of shaky plays, but I didn't see a train wreck. Of course, the quick passes may have covered up some potential issues.
The BBI game reviews vs. Buffalo and Seattle both crush Neal. I don't think those are highlight games for him.
I linked the Seattle game video above. There are a couple of shaky plays, but I didn't see a train wreck. Of course, the quick passes may have covered up some potential issues.
The quick passes were a must for every game Neal played.
Evan Neal continues to look overmatched in pass protection. He allowed 5 pressures, one of which was a QB hit. We are seeing whiffs, awful footwork (which is getting worse), and poor balance. Next to him is Markus McKethan (3 pressures, 2 sacks) and it is hard to watch. Neither of these guys can recover, which is an essential component to offensive line evaluation. You cannot expect these guys to win off the ball every time, nobody does. But recovery tactics are a huge part of the margin between good and bad linemen. The two guys on the right side of this line look completely overmatched and incapable in their current state.
In comment 16507064 shyster said:
[quote] to go number one overall in the draft.
I still wonder who started that rumor. This is the epitome of Lying Season. There was no way under the sun Jacksonville was picking him #1. I get Taylor and Robinson aren't bound for Canton, but that would have been a fireable offense. You draft a tackle #1 if the next best player is me.
Along with a lot of other guys who didn't improve was the main reason that Johnson was let go.
Hopefully he can be healthy and start over this year under Bricillo. The talent is still there somewhere. I'm still optimistic that he can do better this year.
most of the pressure against the Giants last year came from the interior trio.
glowinski was the bigger failure than neal, he was their highest paid FA that year on a deal similar to runyan and he was benched after 1 game in year 2. that was a really bad swing/miss.
the pick that took neal obviously had more value but he was a chalk pick that so far pretty much everyone missed on. hopefully he steps up.
just looked up cross and ekwonnu, it looks like they have also struggled so maybe it was a weaker class that got pushed up higher than they should have.
He was a overwhelming top 10 pick, being graded as the best player in the draft at some points. What do all of them say about him NOW?
I am optimistic the new OL coach is the impetus for his improvement. He is talented and this OL did a lot more with less in Vegas. And, if he stays at RT, where I think he will, he will now have a good RG next to him.
One has to wonder how much the switch to RT impacted him. OL, more than any other position, is not the plug and play that so many think. Switching sides take a lot of work/repetitions. Everything from the footwork to the stance itself is impacted. MAybe this is the year he shows why he was drafted where he was,
A lack of confidence and so forth, I don't think a move to Guard would be wise. I think it would only reinforce that lack of confidence.
Now, I confess I'm totally perplexed with how poorly Neal has played. Sure, he's been hurt, and you can question his coaching, but, holy crap...he's been Godawful, and that's certainly not what I expected from him...not even close.
Still, I'd give him another shot to become at least a capable RT. Serviceable, if not spectacular, and in no way a liability.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
yes, it is a head scratcher.
Besides Baldy, et. al., Schoen said after the season he went back and looked at their pre-draft evaluation of Neal and he still believed they were right.
If he stays healthy, I think Bricillo will develop him.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
I guess that begs the question "what the heck happened?" He was supposed to be this dominant bookend but fell off the cliff. His skills did not translate. He was All-SEC and 2nd team All-American I believe. He just doesn't look the part.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
I guess that begs the question "what the heck happened?" He was supposed to be this dominant bookend but fell off the cliff. His skills did not translate. He was All-SEC and 2nd team All-American I believe. He just doesn't look the part.
It is the most perplexing bust that I can ever recall. Based on the collective scouting and his Alabama pedigree, he was arguably the best player of the 2022 draft. So I believe it was the right draft pick at the time. But the fact that he refused to do any testing prior to the draft is now in hindsight a smoking gun that should not be ignored for future prospects going forward.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Neal's performance might not really be that perplexing
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Well said, bw in dc……it seems that way to me too. Neal fooled the whole world while at Alabama.
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Neal gets his 3rd year but would probably suggest he won't get the full season. He will have to show some positive steps forward in his development at Right Tackle in the first half of the season otherwise Daboll has to make a change in the OL.
This is a big one for the Offense to get moving.
I often wondered whether Neal was always playing injured
What floors me about the Evan Neal situation is that it appears the Giants coaches did not scout him well enough to know that he cannot slide and mirror to his right, thus making it easy for NFL level rushers to beat him consistently to the outside. No excuse for not knowing that about a first round pick (and #7 overall, to boot). Did they just assume because he played at Alabama as a LT and the fact that he is a very large OT, that he should be fine doing that on the right side? How many highly rated Alabama offensive lineman have produced to the expected level in the NFL?
The long and short of it is this. Neal needs to show up at camp and look like a quality NFL right tackle. If he does not, the Giants will find someone who wants it more that he does and plug him in.
I am not optimistic about this happening because he was as bad in his second year as he was as a rookie. That, the fact that he appears to be slow and heavy legged, seems to lack the required intensity for the job and did not get any better working out with Willie Anderson last summer really bothers me.
And if I were Neal, I’d really knock off the comments about the “burger flippers” because if he can’t play at a much higher level in the league, he may be putting the pickles and mustard on those burgers.
he sucks, its a 5 win team.
It might save Daboll's job if it works out even a little.
What's the upside to cutting him now?
Yes Thibs was #1 and Neal was #2
This is the actual situation. Neal started first six games and played poorly even though he was healthy, then he sprained his right ankle in Buffalo and missed two games came back against Las Vegas and sprained his left ankle and out for the season. When healthy he played poorly, he did not play injured as the warrior you claimed did not play hurt or on a broken ankle. Don't gaslight yourself.
Evan Neal vs Seattle - ( New Window )
Quote:
Actually nvm it was Seahawks and bills where he looked ok.
Evan Neal vs Seattle - ( New Window )
That wasn’t bad tape in the Seattle game. A few lapses on stunts. One play he got beat around the edge pretty badly. No physical limitations standing out. All mental mistakes or breakdowns in technique. Jones also ran into a few sacks when there was pressure on the interior
Quote:
In comment 16507140 ryanmkeane said:
Quote:
Actually nvm it was Seahawks and bills where he looked ok.
Evan Neal vs Seattle - ( New Window )
That wasn’t bad tape in the Seattle game. A few lapses on stunts. One play he got beat around the edge pretty badly. No physical limitations standing out. All mental mistakes or breakdowns in technique. Jones also ran into a few sacks when there was pressure on the interior
Hopefully he can conquer those lapses because a mistake is a mistake eventually we need to stop making them, mental or physical it still not tolerable.
What's the upside to cutting him now?
Let me be clearer. We should try to trade him. Maybe a team will feel like a clean slate might be what he needs. With such a dearth of OLs in the NFL, we might get something decent in return.
Quote:
... Alabama's Evan Neal is Simms' top OL in the 2022 NFL Draft | Chris Simms Unbuttoned | NBC Sports - ( New Window )
"This is the best pass protecting left tackle I've ever seen."
I’m sticking with my story that some people can’t translate the reversal of movement with the same ability. See a right handed person trying to work left handed.
Also the quote: best left tackle.
However, Neal's footwork just looks very slow and his balance looks awful. Can that be corrected?
I don't think so, but we'll see.
I linked the Seattle game video above. There are a couple of shaky plays, but I didn't see a train wreck. Of course, the quick passes may have covered up some potential issues.
Quote:
The BBI game reviews vs. Buffalo and Seattle both crush Neal. I don't think those are highlight games for him.
I linked the Seattle game video above. There are a couple of shaky plays, but I didn't see a train wreck. Of course, the quick passes may have covered up some potential issues.
The quick passes were a must for every game Neal played.
I was referring to this quote.
Quote:
if he fullfills his promise and is a pro bowl caliber OT this is a 9 win team.
he sucks, its a 5 win team.
No player other than a QB is responsible for a 4 win swing.
The offensive line in general and Neal specifically were so awful that I could believe improvement there could be a 4 game swing.
[quote] to go number one overall in the draft.
I still wonder who started that rumor. This is the epitome of Lying Season. There was no way under the sun Jacksonville was picking him #1. I get Taylor and Robinson aren't bound for Canton, but that would have been a fireable offense. You draft a tackle #1 if the next best player is me.
He’s still a huge man.
Hopefully he can be healthy and start over this year under Bricillo. The talent is still there somewhere. I'm still optimistic that he can do better this year.
glowinski was the bigger failure than neal, he was their highest paid FA that year on a deal similar to runyan and he was benched after 1 game in year 2. that was a really bad swing/miss.
the pick that took neal obviously had more value but he was a chalk pick that so far pretty much everyone missed on. hopefully he steps up.
just looked up cross and ekwonnu, it looks like they have also struggled so maybe it was a weaker class that got pushed up higher than they should have.
neal = 1200 snaps / 9 sacks / 12 penalties
ekwonu = 2300 snaps / 17 sacks / 25 penalties
cross = 1900 snaps / 13 sacks / 12 penalties
I am optimistic the new OL coach is the impetus for his improvement. He is talented and this OL did a lot more with less in Vegas. And, if he stays at RT, where I think he will, he will now have a good RG next to him.
One has to wonder how much the switch to RT impacted him. OL, more than any other position, is not the plug and play that so many think. Switching sides take a lot of work/repetitions. Everything from the footwork to the stance itself is impacted. MAybe this is the year he shows why he was drafted where he was,
One thing that is clear in that tape...
He will benefit from the additions to the line. He was hardly the worst lineman during that set of snaps. They were a collective mess.
Runyan and Eluemunor coupled with a second year of JMS and a new coach should dramatically enhance the OLine...
My guess is Bricillo isn't thinking either of those things right now. I think he's going to develop Neal to be the RT he was drafted to be.
Now, I confess I'm totally perplexed with how poorly Neal has played. Sure, he's been hurt, and you can question his coaching, but, holy crap...he's been Godawful, and that's certainly not what I expected from him...not even close.
Still, I'd give him another shot to become at least a capable RT. Serviceable, if not spectacular, and in no way a liability.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
yes, it is a head scratcher.
Besides Baldy, et. al., Schoen said after the season he went back and looked at their pre-draft evaluation of Neal and he still believed they were right.
If he stays healthy, I think Bricillo will develop him.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
Quote:
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
Quote:
In comment 16507501 bc4life said:
Quote:
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
Neal's lack of talent has nothing to do with his injuries. He has clumsy feet and lacks the athleticism to be effective in pass blocking on an island in the NFL. If Bricillo can scheme and chip to support his lack of talent, fine. But we don't need more data to discern whether he will be a good tackle in the NFL. He won't. Moving him to guard may be the best way for him to have a career in the league as it was for Ereck Flowers. But Baldinger doesn't think he will be good at guard either so Bricillo will likely have to work miracles for Neal to be a productive member of the OL in 2024.
I guess that begs the question "what the heck happened?" He was supposed to be this dominant bookend but fell off the cliff. His skills did not translate. He was All-SEC and 2nd team All-American I believe. He just doesn't look the part.
It is the most perplexing bust that I can ever recall. Based on the collective scouting and his Alabama pedigree, he was arguably the best player of the 2022 draft. So I believe it was the right draft pick at the time. But the fact that he refused to do any testing prior to the draft is now in hindsight a smoking gun that should not be ignored for future prospects going forward.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Quote:
... Evan Neal Week 4: All Pass Pro - ( New Window )
One thing that is clear in that tape...
He will benefit from the additions to the line. He was hardly the worst lineman during that set of snaps. They were a collective mess.
Runyan and Eluemunor coupled with a second year of JMS and a new coach should dramatically enhance the OLine...
Quote:
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Well said, bw in dc……it seems that way to me too. Neal fooled the whole world while at Alabama.
I am sure that Neal was definitely a major topic of discussion in Brecillo's interview.
Quote:
and conclude that it is time to jettison Neal? If he cannot stay healthy consistently for most of his initial contract - that's one thing. But to give up on a # 7 pick after 2 seasons, especially when you just fired his OL coach - head scratcher at best.
Coaching makes a difference. We noticed that when one of our reserve OL went to Philly for part of the season. And, he'll be playing alongside guys who actually have proven they belong in the league.
This will be a key season for him in regard to health, coachability, and ceiling.
Baldy's usually an accurate and fair judge of ability.
How many years should we give Neal? Six?
Right now, here is what we know. Neal is often injured and when he has played his performance has been poor. And he seems on the immature side. Sy's concerns about Neal's issues at Alabama seem to be manifesting at the NFL level.
I can live with giving him one more year, but I would also get a market check on his value. This may be a situation where Neal hit his ceiling at Tuscaloosa. And his best days are behind him. That happens. Alabama gets great high school OLs, but it seems that most have not translated well to the NFL. And you can't say Bama didn't have quality coaching when they had Doug Marrone as the OL coach.
Bottom line - Neal is a major problem right now at a critical position.
Neal gets his 3rd year but would probably suggest he won't get the full season. He will have to show some positive steps forward in his development at Right Tackle in the first half of the season otherwise Daboll has to make a change in the OL.
This is a big one for the Offense to get moving.
The long and short of it is this. Neal needs to show up at camp and look like a quality NFL right tackle. If he does not, the Giants will find someone who wants it more that he does and plug him in.
I am not optimistic about this happening because he was as bad in his second year as he was as a rookie. That, the fact that he appears to be slow and heavy legged, seems to lack the required intensity for the job and did not get any better working out with Willie Anderson last summer really bothers me.
And if I were Neal, I’d really knock off the comments about the “burger flippers” because if he can’t play at a much higher level in the league, he may be putting the pickles and mustard on those burgers.