Unlike years past, the projections for the upcoming NFL Draft have been a revolving door of defensive ends, offensive linemen and defensive backs for what feels like months leading up to it.
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal is one of the players in discussion for the top pick but has also seen himself slotted in mock drafts to a number of other franchises inside the top 10.
Other than speculation, there hasn’t been a ton of concrete information as to where teams are leaning towards picking. But during the Crimson Tide’s Pro Day on Wednesday, Neal shed a sliver of light on what teams are possibly interested in the 6-foot-7 offensive tackle. Neal shared with the media that he has interviews scheduled with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and New York Jets this week.
Other than the Giants, the Jets and Jaguars have previously invested in the left tackle position which would mean Neal would be in store for a potential position change should he be selected by either of those teams.
“You can pretty much plug me in anywhere other than center and I’ll be able to come in and make an impact,” Neal said. “But I see myself as a left or right tackle — anywhere, whatever a team needs me to be I can come in and play it.”
Throughout his career at Alabama, Neal has shown his impressive versatility as he played three different positions during his three seasons at Tuscaloosa. When he started as a freshman, Neal shifted inside to right guard playing alongside Alex Leatherwood. He would then transition to right tackle during the 2020 season where he helped the unit take home the Joe Moore Award while going on to win the national championship. Neal finished his career at left tackle where he has clearly impressed as he is heralded as one of the top offensive linemen in all of college football.
Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban was also very complimentary of his versatility which he believes will serve him well at the next level.
“His size and athletic ability has put him in a position where I think he has a very bright future,” Saban said during the team’s Pro Day. “He did a great job for us, whether he played guard or tackle. I’m sure that diversity will help him as a pro player as well.”
The 2022 NFL Draft will begin on Thursday, April 28.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
