It's no secret, Evan Neal was terrible in the NY Giants season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Neal, along with the whole offensive line for that matter, embarrassed themselves in front of a primetime audience as the Cowboys' front seven had their way.
Neal himself stood out in the worst way as the Giants lost 40-0 to their division rival. Neal had a pass block win rate of 70.6 percent, which was 59th out of 60 tackles. Literally, he was the second worst tackle in the league for Week 1. Post Sunday overreactions are common during the football season, but this is nothing new with Neal.
He struggled mightily his rookie year with pass blocking and unfortunately it looks like those struggles are continuing. There's a thought throughout Big Blue Nation that Neal should be moved to guard and with his size and lack of quickness - this might be the move to save his career. If Joe Schoen and Co. listen to the fans, they'll need another right tackle and the 2024 NFL Draft might be the place to find his replacement. Here are four options we're already thinking about:
4. Alabama OT JC Latham
JC Latham is the next member from a long line of Alabama linemen. In his first two college years, he allowed zero sacks and no QB hits. Latham started as a guard as a freshmen before transitioning to tackle as a sophomore. He has the knowledge of the position, but the experience may be a question mark.
However, no matter how small the sample size may be, he has the potential to keep Daniel Jones protected. His strength is in his hands. He has an ability to manhandle defenders and keep those blocks sustained.
Just because he's a lineman from Alabama, doesn't mean he's a Neal 2.0. He is regarded as a better pass blocker than run blocker, which was the opposite of Neal when he came into the league. Like Neal, some of the linemen skillsets are still a little raw. in particular, his footwork. Latham can rely on his arm strength in college, but he'll need to be able to be quick off the snap once he's in the league. But with Latham being about 20 pounds lighter, it's a skill that should quickly be added to his arsenal.
3. Duke OT Graham Barton
The Duke senior is widely regarded as the best tackle in the ACC and for good reason. In 826 snaps his junior year, he didn't let anyone touch his quarterback. He gave up zero QB hits and zero sacks. After watching Jones get killed a few days ago, getting a guy who won't let that happen seems like a pretty good plan.
Barton has quick feet, which allows him to fire out of his stance and win on the attack. With the quickness of edge-rushers in the NFC, that agility of an offensive tackle can't be overlooked for the Giants when scouting. Barton also has the ability to play multiple positions. He started his Duke career as a center and then transitioned to left tackle. Having an understanding of multiple positions could ease the transition to right tackle.
The only question mark with Barton is if he's too far in the other direction from Neal. Barton doesn't give up much height, but he is about 30 pounds lighter. This is good for his quickness off the snap in the pass game, but may be an issue in certain run-blocking schemes.
2. Penn State OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu
The former 3-star recruit is now regarded as the best offensive tackle for the 2024 NFL Draft. We'll see how he performs this year for the Nittany Lions, but if history serves him well, Fashanu will stay right at the top of the draft boards.
In his college career thus far, he has been just short of perfect. Fashanu has only let one person even make contact with his quarterback. That's right only ONE QB hit and no sacks. For all of us tired of seeing Jones get thrown around like a rag doll, this may be the guy. He has long arms, elite hand strength and a fast twitch to beat defenders off the line.
The biggest issue for Fashanu is simply experience. He only played in four games as a freshman and eight as a sophomore. Fortunately, despite his low game count, he hasn't been asked to move around a lot. He's only played tackle and has good knowledge of the position.
Plus, with hopefully a full season under his belt in 2023, that IQ should keep increasing. Like most OL prospects, he's been able to rely on his athleticism, but his technique will need work when he gets to the pros. His strong work ethic should make that an easy fix.
1. Notre Dame OT Joe Alt
Remember how Deonte Banks was Schoen's guy in 2023 and the GM did whatever he could to make sure Banks became a Giant? Joe Alt should be that guy for Schoen in 2024. This is the guy that can be the tackle opposite Andrew Thomas to anchor the offensive line. In his first two college seasons, Alt played in 23 combined games.
He has only allowed three QB hits total. He allowed three sacks as a freshman and zero as a sophomore. Alt has Neal's height and is 30 pounds lighter. He also runs a 4.90 40 which will come in handy getting blocks downfield during Saquon Barkley's big runs.
He has excellent agility, strong arms and hands and is quick as can be off the line. Although, even with how great his footwork already is, he has been known to stop his feet after first contact. All he has to do is keep those feet moving and he's a picture-perfect lineman.
The best part about that problem is it can be taught. Alt has all the physical gifts needed to be a great lineman for the Giants and could be the step Big Blue needs to take for getting an elite offensive line. We'll have our eyes on him next spring, no doubt.
READ MORE: 4 NY Giants to blame for Week 1 not named Daniel Jones