New York Giants land Kayvon Thibodeaux at No. 5 total choose, Evan Neal at No. 7 in NFL draft

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants landed two of probably the most gifted gamers within the NFL draft once they chosen Oregon Geese edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive sort out Evan Neal with the fifth and seventh picks, respectively, on Thursday night time.

Thibodeaux was a shock choice at No. 5, however the board performed out completely with all three of the draft’s high offensive tackles nonetheless accessible, permitting the Giants to seize Neal with the seventh choose after the Carolina Panthers took NC State offensive sort out Ikem Ekwonu at No. 6.

Thibodeaux was one of many draft’s greatest names and most debated gamers. Some questioned his effort and work ethic and focus on his model.

However the Giants did not consider that was an issue after doing in depth analysis on Thibodeaux, who has an electrical first step. New basic supervisor Joe Schoen traveled to Eugene, Oregon, for Thibodeaux’s professional day simply days after the NFL’s annual conferences in Florida. The Giants additionally snuck in a Zoom assembly with the gifted pass-rusher the week of the draft.

One of many high prospects getting into this previous season, Thibodeaux had seven sacks regardless of taking part in with an ankle harm in 2021. His 17.8% strain proportion was third-best within the FBS.

New York was the one staff within the NFL final season to rank within the backside 5 in each cross block win price and cross rush win price, in response to ESPN Stats & Data.

Neal, 21, was a second-team AP All-American this previous season and a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award. He allowed one sack his junior season, which got here within the nationwide title recreation in opposition to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Neal noticed fixed enchancment at Alabama. His strain proportion allowed dipped from 2.5% as a freshman (when he performed guard) to 1.3% this previous season as a left sort out.

Neal additionally brings super versatility to the Giants, having performed a season every at guard, proper sort out and left sort out. That provides the Giants choices with 2020 fourth total choose Andrew Thomas exhibiting main enchancment final season at left sort out. It is seemingly that Neal begins his Giants profession at proper sort out.

It might give New York two probably younger bookend tackles to guard quarterback Daniel Jones. The Giants are the third staff within the frequent draft period to pick out two offensive tackles within the high 10 over a three-year span.

The Giants needed to seize an offensive sort out early on this draft with a view to assist shore up an offensive line that has been problematic for nearly a decade. Additionally they signed Mark Glowinski as a free agent to start out at proper guard and Jon Feliciano to be their middle.

The concept is that the revamped and upgraded offensive line will give them an opportunity to get a real analysis of Jones this season. The Giants declined to choose up the fifth-year possibility in Jones’ rookie contract earlier Thursday, sources instructed ESPN.