The New York Giants' plan to move former first-round pick Evan Neal to guard is going as well as can be expected through offseason workouts.
"He's picked up things well inside," head coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday at minicamp. "You know, training camp will be an important time of the year for him as for all the offensive linemen."
The former No. 7 overall pick in 2022 struggled mightily at right tackle his first two seasons, and only injuries thrust him into the starting lineup in 2024 after a benching to open the season.
After declining his fifth-year option, Big Blue hopes a move from tackle to guard can salvage the career of a highly drafted player -- as such a move did for former New York Jets tackle-turned-guard Mekhi Becton last year in Philadelphia. Transitions aren't always smooth, but if the 6-foot-7 lineman can show sturdiness inside, it would aid a perennially troubled Giants O-line.
Neal has spent the offseason cross-training at both guard spots, but with Jon Runyan penciled in at the left guard gig, Neal will battle veteran Greg Van Roten at the right guard spot.
"He's doing well so far. Excited to see when we put pads on what happens, but he's embraced it, we've embraced it, it's been good so far," offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo told the New York Post. "Throughout the NFL, plenty of guys have moved from tackle to guard, so we'll see how it goes."
Neal hasn't played guard since his freshman year at Alabama, when he started 13 games at right guard.
At this stage, anything they get out of Neal is a bonus. At the very least, the offseason training at guard gives the Giants versatility if injuries strike during the season.
