Breaking: Giants desperately need to redeem their status as they set to land in a 7th overall pick.

With the addition of Jermaine Eluemunor (two-year, $14 million agreement) and Jon Runyan (three-year, $30 million deal), the New York Giants have strengthened their offensive line considerably this season. Runyan is expected to take over the starting left guard position, which is very important, and Eluemunor is expected to lock down the right tackle position. But the Giants also have high hopes for Evan Neal, their seventh-round selection in 2022, to have a breakout season.

Evan Neal’s obstacles
Though expectations were high, Neal’s performance has fallen short of expectations. He had foot surgery at the end of the 2023 season, after which he is still healing. This could seriously impede his progress. Neal urgently has to improve his technique and fundamentals under the direction of new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo.

Neal is still recovering as of right now, so the Giants will have to wait patiently until he’s ready to play, maybe by the next training camp. Eluemunor appears to have a stable position going forward, especially since he continues to practice at left guard in order to be ready for any injuries he might have to fill the next season.

The Giants Must Make Some Important Choices.
Neal has given up 10 sacks and 81 total pressures in his two years on the field, in addition to collecting 12 penalties. He played 862 snaps in his debut season, with performances that ranged from mediocre to unpredictable. Though Neal was anticipated to improve, in 2023 he actually deteriorated, playing just 460 offensive snaps while giving up two sacks and 29 pressures. Due to injuries to both ankles, he may not be able to continue as the regular starter unless he has a stellar summer and preseason.

Jermaine Eluemunor’s Ascent
Conversely, Eluemunor, a right tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders previous season, displayed potential abilities. During 905 snaps, he gave up six sacks and 28 pressures.

Notably, Eluemunor gave up 11 pressures and five sacks in two games against the Los Angeles Chargers in weeks three and four, which accounted for the most of his poor metrics. If these anomalies were taken out of the picture, he had a strong season, allowing just one sack and sixteen pressures. The Giants have every reason to start him at right tackle given his outstanding performance.

Prospective Aspects to Take into Account
Neal may have to begin training at guard if he does not demonstrate improvement at right tackle. Even though he might not want to be in this role, his poor performances might call for it. The Giants can’t afford to keep misfitting a player into an inappropriate role; instead, they must make the most of their top-10 draft selection.