Giants Give Evan Neal Second Chance at Guard

Former 7th overall pick looks to prove himself on the offensive line in 2026 season.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:50am

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The New York Giants have re-signed 2022 7th overall pick Evan Neal, surprising many who expected the team to move on from the offensive lineman after a rocky start to his NFL career. The Giants are giving Neal another chance to earn a starting job, this time at right guard, after he showed some promise playing the position during the 2025 preseason.

Why it matters

The Giants are in need of help on their offensive line, and Neal's potential as a powerful run blocker and quick-footed puller could make him a viable solution at right guard if he can clean up some of the technical issues that plagued him at offensive tackle. A successful transition to guard could provide the Giants with a long-term starter from their 2022 draft class.

The details

In the 2025 preseason, Neal displayed his strengths as a run blocker, using his size and power to drive defenders off the ball. He also showed good awareness and the ability to work well with his teammates in combo blocks. However, Neal struggled at times with his hand placement and technique in zone blocking schemes, leading to some issues sustaining blocks. The Giants are hoping that with more experience at guard, Neal can shore up those technical deficiencies and unlock his potential.

  • In the 2025 preseason, Neal played guard for the Giants.
  • The Giants re-signed Neal in March 2026, giving him another chance to earn a starting job.

The players

Evan Neal

A 2022 7th overall pick of the Giants who is getting a second chance to earn a starting job on the offensive line, this time at right guard.

Greg Van Roten

A veteran offensive lineman who started at right guard for the Giants in 2025 and could provide depth and competition for Neal at the position.

Jon Runyan Jr.

The Giants' starting left guard, who could potentially be replaced by a guard prospect drafted by the team if Neal secures the right guard job.

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What they’re saying

“I even wrote in my look at potential solutions for the Giants' right guard problem that, 'I'm going to assume that the Giants wouldn't be interested in Evan Neal, Josh Ezeudu, or Mekhi Becton.'”

— Chris Pflum, Author

What’s next

The Giants will give Neal an opportunity to earn the starting right guard job during the 2026 offseason program and training camp, with the possibility of also adding another veteran or draft pick to provide depth and competition at the position.

The takeaway

The Giants are taking a calculated risk by giving Evan Neal another chance, banking on the potential they saw in him as a 7th overall pick and his promising preseason performance at guard. If Neal can clean up the technical issues that plagued him at tackle, he could provide a long-term solution on the Giants' offensive line.