It turns out the rough injury history isn't turning teams away from showing high interest in Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The NY Giants clearly like this kid, as the team had dinner with him following his Pro Day in Seattle according to Jordan Schultz.
Penix has a cannon for an arm and his 4.46 40-yard dash in Seattle recently turned a lot of heads. However, we can't forget about his past, which includes two torn ACLs and multiple shoulder issues. If the Giants do end up adding a second first-round pick and taking Penix in the 20s, he's going to need all the help he can get up front. That will include a necessary change at right tackle.
Things are heating up for Washington QB Michael Penix Jr: Sources say he had dinner with the #Giants in Seattle after his Pro Day, followed by a private workout with the #Vikings in Seattle.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 1, 2024
Penix will have top 30s with the #Broncos, #Falcons, #Raiders and #Commanders, per… pic.twitter.com/b4ef1exDYz
Evan Neal can't start at RT if the NY Giants bring in Michael Penix Jr.
We're of course talking about Evan Neal. The first two years of the former No. 7 overall pick's career in East Rutherford simply have not gone according to plan. Neal looked rough in Year 1 and things only got worse for him during the 2023 campaign.
This offseason, general manager Joe Schoen brought in veteran offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor on a two-year deal, a move that reunites him with new NY offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. Eluemunor has the ability to play either on the outside or the interior.
The belief is that he'll start his Big Blue career at guard, with the Giants hoping that Neal can turn things around. However, if Penix ends up being the QB1 of the future, can we really trust Neal to prevent pass-rushers from trying to rip Penix's head off?
A lot of people would be way more comfortable if Neal made his way to guard and someone like Eluemunor took over at right tackle on the opposite side of the line from Andrew Thomas. With Penix being a lefty, that means Neal, if he remains at right tackle, would be responsible for protecting his blindside - no thanks. Penix has all the potential in the world, but Neal simply can't be the main one covering his back once he eventually trots out to lead the offense onto the field.