2022 NFL Draft: Sam Howell on top of NFL preseason mock draft
OT. Scouting Report. Evan Neal. 5. player. 52. Pick Analysis. Alabama
The foundation for the Jacksonville Jaguars is in place. The Jaguars used the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Trevor Lawrence, and Lawrence will be tasked with bringing this franchise into relevance in a very tough conference in terms of star power at the quarterback position.
The Jaguars need to make sure that they do everything possible to protect their investment in Lawrence. Whether that means adding offensive linemen or elite skill players, the Jaguars cannot spare any expense and if they are picking this low in 2022, they will probably be thrilled to add a player like Alabama’s Evan Neal, one of the freakiest players in all of college football.
At 6-foot-7, 350 pounds, Neal looks like he was created in some sort of maniacal offensive lineman laboratory.
He’s as freakishly athletic as he is large, and at a place like Alabama, Neal’s pound-for-pound athletic ability and explosiveness is among the best Nick Saban has ever had.
Seriously.
It’s not hyperbole at this point to think that Neal, with a healthy 2021 season, could establish himself as the top player in the 2022 NFL Draft class overall. We talked about that being the case for Kayvon Thibodeaux as well, but Neal is a rare talent at the offensive tackle position who has also played guard, and he has a very bright future ahead.
If the Jaguars could get him to block for Trevor Lawrence? They’d probably be feeling pretty great about their future on offense.