Former top-10 pick’s bust status confirmed after Giants release on roster cutdown day

The New York Giants kept one past first rounder in veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. But another ex-NFL Draft day one pick didn’t meet a similar fate. Tackle Evan Neal won’t make the final 53-man depth chart on NFL roster cutdown day Sunday.

NFL insider for The 33rd Team Ari Meirov revealed the release involving Neal. This means head coach John Harbaugh parts ways with the past No. 7 overall pick.

Neal managed to start 27 total games for the franchise that took him out of Alabama, where he starred for legendary head coach Nick Saban. So Neal sparked the belief from draft experts that he’ll thrive post Saban.

But Neal never met or exceed expectations. He’s best remembered for being a part of an infamous seven-sack afternoon involving former NYG quarterback Daniel Jones against the Seattle Seahawks. Neal, however, called out his own fans for booing the Giants before ultimately apologizing.

Neal struggled to stay on the field too with 2024 representing his last league appearance. He became bothered by a hamstring ailment.

So now the Giants show their seriousness with installing a new identity under head coach John Harbaugh. By weeding out past disappointing picks or others who weren’t valuably contributing. Neal previously joined top five pick at edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as the Giants’ top picks of that 2022 class.

Now Thibodeaux and linebacker Micah McFadden remain from that Giants’ 2022 draft class. However, Neal’s release also signals how serious the Giants are in turning to top 10 draft pick Francis Mauigoa.

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