As we approach NFL roster cutdown day, teams across the league will be looking to add depth at various positions, based on what they learned about their rosters through training camp. All NFL rosters must be trimmed to 53 players on Tuesday, and some teams have already begun the process of cutting players.
Oftentimes, teams will claim cut players they’d like to add on waivers, or sign them to new contracts. But sometimes, more initiative must be taken, especially if they player in question is in high demand or isn’t guaranteed to be cut.
In his final 53-man roster prediction for the Green Bay Packers, Freddie Boston predicts the team will trade for Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal to address some depth concerns. Preseason performances have shed some light on the subpar play of the Packers’ backups, and Neal would go a long way towards addressing that.
Evan Neal Still Has Untapped Potential
Ron Jenkins/GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 28: Evan Neal #73 of the New York Giants celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 28, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
A former first-round pick of the Giants back in 2022, Neal was supposed to be their long-term answer at right tackle. He was selected with the No. 7 overall pick and started as a rookie, but he struggled mightily. The former Alabama star could never get his feet under him in his first season, and he went into his second year with a lot of pressure to take a step forward.
Unfortunately for the Giants, that didn’t happen, and Neal was benched early in the year. They’re still looking for their right tackle of the future, and no try and recoup some value on the Neal pick, they moved him inside to guard. He’s played there at times for the Giants, but hasn’t looked any better than he did at tackle. With some of New York’s offseason additions, he’s a bit buried on the depth chart.
Still, Neal has potential as a physical force with plus athleticism and movement abilities. In Green Bay, he wouldn’t be asked to start unless injuries ravaged the interior offensive line, so he could be brought on as a developmental piece to see if the coaching staff can work with him.
A Look at the Green Bay Packers’ Current Offensive Line Depth
The Packers have been known for their offensive line depth in recent seasons, but it’s a little dicier right now than in past years. The starters are set, with LT Rasheed Walker, LG Aaron Banks, C Elgton Jenkins, RG Sean Rhyan, and RT Zach Tom expected to solidify as the five guys along the line. 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan can play guard or tackle and should be a fantastic sixth-man along the line.
Behind them, though, there are far more question marks. Rookie OT Anthony Belton has struggled throughout the preseason and his game day role is in question. Donovan Jennings, Jacob Monk, and Tyler Cooper are the primary backups inside, and all have taken their bruises in camp and the preseason. Neal could be an upgrade on at least some of those guys, and he has long-term upside they don’t.
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