Mel Kiper Jr. logs Evan Neal draft destination in updated mock draft

Former Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal has little to prove heading into the 2022 NFL Draft — perhaps informing his decision not to work out at the NFL Draft Combine — as the 6-foot-7, 351-pound native of Okeechobee, FL, has already established himself as an early first-round pick.

The only remaining question among NFL Draft experts seems to be where in the first round he’ll be selected. In an extremely deep draft in terms of offensive line depth, there are several linemen projected to go in the first few picks of the draft. But in NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, Kiper seemed fairly certain that Neal would be a good fit with the Houston Texans, which find themselves in need of depth on the offensive line.

Kiper projected Neal to be selected with the third-overall pick in the NFL Draft.

“This is an extremely tough pick to project before free agency, because the Texans have a barren roster with needs at most every position. And can you believe they have had only one first-round choice in the four drafts before this one? They have a long way to go to compete again in the AFC South,” Kiper wrote. “If Houston really is tearing down its roster even further, that could mean trading a few key veterans, such as tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and trying to add more picks. That opens a hole on the left side for Neal, a physical blocker with great feet. I don’t think the Texans could go wrong with high-upside pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, either, but they have to hit on the top guy on their board here.”

Evan Neal makes huge decision on NFL Draft Combine status

Former Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal is in contention to be the top overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The NFL Combine is set to begin this week, and Neal just made a massive decision regarding his status for the event. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Neal will not work out at the NFL Combine, instead waiting until his Pro Day in March.

“#Bama OL Evan Neal, a potential top overall pick for the NFL Draft, will wait until his Pro Day on March 30 to work out, source says,” Rapoport tweeted. “He’ll participate in interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, but after a long season, he’ll take a few extra weeks to prepare.”

There are a number of contenders for the top pick in the draft, but Neal appears to be one of the favorites. The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the top overall pick, so getting some protection for star quarterback Trevor Lawrence would make a ton of sense. Neal has also been mocked to the Houston Texans at third overall frequently throughout the many mock drafts put out since the end of the season.