Evan Neal Signs Rookie Deal; Makes Minicamp Debut

Evan Neal, former anchor of the Crimson Tide's offensive line, officially inked his rookie deal last week, signing a 4-year, $25.5 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus. Neal was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, becoming the 17th top ten selection of the Nick Saban era.

Neal also made his rookie minicamp debut for the Giants last week, wearing his new No. 70 and showing off exactly why New York wanted him on their team. In the clip shared by Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, Neal can be seen exploding off the line of scrimmage with some incredible speed for someone that stands 6-foot-7, 350 lbs.

Get our free mobile app

Neal, a native of Okeechobee, FL, joined the Crimson Tide in 2019 as a five-star prospect out of IMG Academy. Rated as the fourth offensive tackle in his class and the 32nd player overall, Neal's massive frame and elite level footwork made teams drool over him.

After fielding offers from nearly every school in the country, Neal rolled with the Tide and became an immediate difference maker as a true freshman. In his first year, Neal worked at left guard, starting all of the Tide's 13 games and earning Freshman All-American honors as well as making the Freshman All-SEC team.

As a sophomore in 2020, Neal bumped out to right tackle where he continued to play exceptionally well. Despite moving to a second position in just his second season, the behemoth lineman helped pave the way for Alabama's top ranked scoring offense which would help the Tide secure its 18th national title.

Finally, in Neal's junior year, he made his last position change, moving to left tackle. As the de facto anchor of the Crimson Tide line, Neal played arguably his best season, allowing just two sacks and 15 quarterback pressures on over 1,200 snaps on top of being named a consensus first team All-American.

Though Alabama's line struggled as a whole in 2021 compared to previous seasons, Neal's name was not one that was often called upon when looking to place blame.

Now entering his rookie season, Neal looks to bring the same sense of security he brought to the Tide's offensive line to New York.