Evan Neal is focused on improving, not outside criticism

New York Giants fans rejoiced when the team selected offensive tackle Evan Neal out of Alabama with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Finally, it’s hoped, the team has their bookend tackles locked down for the foreseeable future. But of course, long-standing concerns about the offensive tackle position — and the offensive line in general — have the Giants’ fanbase on edge. Will Neal develop into a reliable starter who can be a long-term answer? Or will he be another big investment that doesn’t pan out for the offensive line?

As with so much about the Giants’ offense, it seems like every snap in practice is a referendum on the player. But for Neal himself, the goal is to keep…