2022 NFL Draft: Contract details released for Evan Neal, New York Giants

Evan Neal, the No. 7 selection in the 2022 NFL Draft is set to sign a fully guaranteed four-year $24.5 million contract with the New York Giants, including a $15 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option available for the former Alabama standout, according to Spotrac.

The Lions will look toward Neal’s ability to lead on the line, bringing a track record of dependability to New York. The 6-foot-7, 350-pound offensive tackle started in 40 games across his college career, including 15 games last season.

“You can pretty much plug me in anywhere other than center and I’ll be able to come in and make an impact,” he said after his Pro Day.

In his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, he helped guide the offense to two College Football Playoff berths, including a national title in 2020. This past season he earned first-team All-American honors as Alabama quarterback Bryce Young captured the first Heisman Trophy in Alabama history.

A former five-star plus recruit in the class of 2019, he was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. After playing his freshman season in his hometown at Okeechobee, Florida, he transferred to IMG Academy. Neal was the second-ranked recruit coming out of Florida in his class.

Neal was the second player drafted by the Giants within the draft’s first seven selections. Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon was taken by New York with the fifth overall pick and is set to sign a four-year, $31.3 million fully guaranteed contact with a $19.9 million signing bonus and fifth-year option as well.

With Neal and Thibodeaux slated for a flight to New York first thing in the morning, the Giants first round ventures have come to an end for the draft’s first night, barring any trades.