Reviewing the NY Giants rookies after the first quarter of the 2022 season
OT Evan Neal (Round 1, Pick No. 7 overall)
It has been a bit of a rough start throughout the first four games of the season for Evan Neal. However, there are not many reasons to be concerned. Not only has Neal had many bright spots as the season has gone on, but he has seemingly improved each game outside of his nightmare against the Cowboys.
Coming out of college, Neal was seen as an generational athlete and prospect. This is still the case, as Neal has the size, speed, and athleticism to do things that no offensive lineman that size has ever done.
In the NY Giants most recent game against the Chicago Bears, Neal put on a show, allowing zero pressures, sacks, QB hits – nothing. In addition to this, Neal did a great job in the run game, making for easily his best game of the season.
While things may not be what they were expected to be throughout the first quarter of the season for Neal, there are no doubts that Neal will eventually pan out and be worthy of his seventh overall selection.
WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Round 2, Pick No. 43 overall)
It is very hard to judge Wan’Dale Robinson’s rookie season so far considering the simple fact that he has not played much. Only appearing in nine offensive snaps in Week 1 before going down with a knee injury.
Even before the regular season, we did not see much out of Robinson in the preseason, as he only caught four passes for one yard in two games played. At the time of the draft, this was easily Joe Schoen’s most criticized pick. Many did not view Robinson as a second-round prospect. Regardless, the potential he showcased at Kentucky made Robinson tantalizing to take so early.
Robinson’s versatility and agility at the receiver position has the potential to make him a very deadly weapon for Daniel Jones and this NY Giants offense. It is only a matter of time before he is eventually unleashed.
OG Joshua Ezeudu (Round 3, No. 67 overall)
In similar fashion to Robinson, we have not seen much out of offensive guard Joshua Ezeudu. However, this is not due to health, Ezeudu just simply is not ready quite yet, and has been benched for veteran Ben Bredeson.
In the 54 snaps we have seen from Ezeudu, he has not looked all that good: allowing a sack, and earning a PFF player grade of 28.1. We believe this grade is a bit harsh, as Ezeudu has had some moments where he has looked good. Regardless, Ezeudu has had far too many moments of poor play to say he deserves a good grade.
Ezeudu certainly hasn’t looked bad in the run game, however, pass protection is entirely different, as he hasn’t looked sharp there. He needs to make some strides and fast for this offense as soon as possible.