Former Alabama OL Evan Neal ready to make impact ‘anywhere other than center’ in NFL
Offensive lineman Evan Neal became a projected first-round NFL Draft prospect blocking for the Alabama Crimson Tide and, per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, featured at left guard, right tackle, and left tackle during his collegiate career. Neal spoke with reporters at Alabama’s pro day on Wednesday and said he has visits scheduled with the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and New York Jets.
“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 of his skillset, according to Alex Scarborough of ESPN.
Meanwhile, Alabama head coach Nick Saban offered high praise for his now-former player.
“He loves football,” Saban said about Neal. “He pays attention to detail; he prepares well; and, you know, his size and athletic ability has put him in a position where I think he has a very bright future.
“He’s done a great job for us whether he played guard or tackle, and I’m sure that diversity will help him as a pro player as well.”
The Jaguars hold the top spot in the draft order, while the Jets possess pick No. 4. As things currently stand, the Giants own selections No. 5 and No. 7 and reportedly could use those assets to acquire multiple offensive linemen.
In their most recent mock drafts, Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports predicted Neal will end up with the Giants, while CBS’ Kyle Stackpole doesn’t see Neal getting past the Jets.
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