The trend of re-imaging previous NFL drafts has grown in recent years. And it makes sense given that hindsight is 20/20 — you can’t be wrong when you already know the outcome.
Since the calendar flipped to 2023, we’ve seen an influx of 2022 re-drafts. And in every single one of those, the New York Giants end up passing on right tackle Evan Neal.
CBS Sports released their 2022 re-draft this week and wouldn’t you know it, the Giants again passed on Neal. But they did stick with edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 overall.
Thibodeaux took some time to acclimate to the professional game yet had high-caliber flashes as a run stopper and pass rusher, so the Giants make him their pick again.
At No. 7 overall, the Giants end up drafting a Neal alternative in Abraham Lucas, who went to the Seattle Seahawks in Round 3 in real life.
The Giants stay in the trenches but opt to pick Lucas to man the right tackle position over Evan Neal, who struggled in Year 1.
Although Neal struggled, Lucas didn’t exactly light the world on fire. In fact, he allowed nine sacks to Neal’s seven and surrendered 28 total pressures. He was also very inconsistent as a run blocker.
It’s easy to be down on Neal after a very sluggish rookie season, but there’s still reason to believe he’ll eventually round into shape.
